3 minute read

When a trainer predicts that a young horse could potentially be the best in his stable that galloper automatically becomes the focus of intense outside interest.

That is the evolving scenario Flemington trainer Simon Zahra instigated at the start of the season when he predicted that exciting 3YO Marcel From Madrid would be the stable star by the end of the spring.

Zahra, who trains in partnership with Matt Ellerton, went on record to predict that the sky could be the limit for Marcel From Madrid after the Sepoy gelding won his only two starts as a 2YO.

‘He’s done everything so far on pure talent alone,” Zahra said when outlining spring plans for Marcel From Madrid.

“Once the penny drops with him he’ll be quite exciting. He’ll be our best horse at the end of the spring.”

Marcel From Madrid takes an important step towards justifying Zahra’s high expectations when he resumes in the Listed Mitchell McKenzie Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

A half-brother to last season’s ATC Australian Derby winner Levendi, Marcel From Madrid was last seen in Adelaide in May where he powered to a stylish win in the G3 National Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville.

That performance spoke volumes for Marcel From Madrid’s potential as he jumped to into that Group 3 event from a country maiden win on debut at Benalla in April.

Zahra said Marcel From Madrid returned to the stable six weeks ago in terrific shape and had done what was expected of him in his work and jump outs at Flemington.

“He looks well and his work has been good,” Zahra said.

Zahra said the $2 million Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on October 13 is the obvious aim for Marcel From Madrid if things go to plan.

“If he looks like he’ll get a mile then he’ll go to the Guineas but if he shows he's not going to relax in his races we could freshen him up for the Coolmore Stud Stakes,” Zahra said.

Marcel From Madrid is one of five unbeaten 3YOs lining up in the Mitchell McKenzie Stakes with the brilliant debut winner Brutal, Mig Energy, Leonardo Da Hinchi and Tee Train also putting the perfect records on the line.

Expectations are enormous for the Team Hawkes-trained Brutal after he made a stunning debut at Caulfield in July when he scored by five lengths despite attempts by the stable to keep a lid on the boom around the O’Reilly colt.

“We are taking it step by step but he is a nice horse,” said John Hawkes.

“He won well but you have to go and do it at your next start. Having said that, he can’t do any more than what he did - winning by five over 1200 metres first-up is a little bit special.”

The Darren Weir stable also rate the quaintly-named Leonardo Da Hinchi, by the late sire Hinchinbrook, among their better 3YO prospects after strong wins at his first two starts.

Leonardo Da Hinchi made an impression when he sat three-wide to win easily on debut at Echuca on July 7 and then substantiated that promise with a Sandown win on July 25.