The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr yard couldn’t believe their luck when a burst of rain swept across Melbourne on Wednesday, arriving just as acceptances were finalised for the Caulfield meeting.
The stable has pinpointed Saturday’s Group 2 Zipping Classic (2400m) as the ideal race for Hezashocka—provided the track retains enough moisture.
The gelding’s biggest obstacle has long been firm ground, with his form dramatically improving whenever conditions are soft.
Despite the track being rated Good on Wednesday morning, a sizeable rain band crossed the city soon after, offering hope that the surface may soften.
There is more rain predicted later in the week, though how much falls—and how much Caulfield absorbs—remains uncertain.
“He hasn’t won for a while and he’s had something like 20 starts on good ground, for no result,” Price said.
“He needs to get his toe in. It’s a $750,000 race and he did run in a $1 million race three starts ago, so I’ll probably send him around because he’s in good order.”
Hezashocka pocketed $45,000 when finishing last in the Group 1 Might And Power (2000m) last month, then again battled firm footing when contesting the Group 3 Bendigo Cup (2400m).
He then struck his preferred soft ground during Cup week but could not stay the 2600 metres, finishing sixth in the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
His most recent victory? A soft-track win in Brisbane back in June 2023.
Fourteen runners are set for the Zipping Classic, a race named after the legendary stayer who dominated the event for four straight years.
The opposition includes Kovalica, Smokin’ Romans, Alenquer, Brayden Star, Star Vega and She’s A Hustler.
Price added that a solid run could see the gelding head toward the Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m) next month.
He noted the track at Pakenham has been holding moisture and racing more like a heavy surface recently.
“It has been a wet track and racing like a heavy track, so that would suit him,” Price said.
“But by the time he gets to it, it might firm up a bit.”
Before betting on the Zipping Classic, be sure to compare odds with the top Australian betting sites.