Top jockey Mark Zahra is making his return to Melbourne racing at Sandown on Wednesday, following an extended holiday in the US. Known for his dominance in recent Spring Carnivals, Zahra has clinched two Melbourne Cups and two Caulfield Cups over the past four seasons.
Entering the new racing season without any firm commitments for major races, Zahra is particularly focused on filling a “void” in his Spring Carnival CV by winning a Cox Plate. “It would be nice to win a Cox Plate and close that void in my record in Melbourne,” Zahra remarked.
Zahra is collaborating closely with trainers Ciaron Maher and the Freedmans (Anthony and Sam), aiming to identify early those horses with the potential to win major races. “I never like to lock in too much, too early, but I am doing a lot of riding for Ciaron and the Freedmans and trying to find one that can win the bigger races,” he said.
His impressive track record includes winning last year’s Caulfield and Melbourne Cups with Without A Fight, the 2022 Melbourne Cup with Gold Trip, and the 2020 Caulfield Cup with Verry Elleegant. Zahra is keen to reunite with Without A Fight, who is targeting a Cox Plate campaign after recovering from a serious injury. “Without A Fight, by all reports, he’s come back well after surgery. It’s hard after a year off, but hopefully he’s fully recovered,” he said.
Having not ridden in a race since mid-June in Queensland, Zahra is starting with heavier rides at Sandown to gradually build his fitness. “I always come back a bit heavy, so I’ll take heavy rides at the start,” Zahra explained. He plans to reduce his weight to around 56 kilograms, with the flexibility to go lower for the right horse in the right race.
“It’s always hard to try and lock yourself in so far out,” Zahra added. “Really early on, I just try and identify the horses you think could make it to the big ones. I haven’t got a big arsenal, but I’ve got a few across the board to look at.”
Zahra is determined and optimistic as he gears up for another exciting Spring Carnival, aiming to add more prestigious victories to his already impressive career.