17 March 2017
AMANDA RANDO | @Amanda_Rando
IT has been a long road back to the races for talented pacer Lord Zin Zan but his issues seem to be behind him following his successful racetrack return last week.
The former New Zealand pacer spent close to nine months on the sidelines due to leg problems and the reports from driver Todd McCarthy following his first run back are positive.
“The other day he won very easy and felt super,” McCarthy said.
“He was out because of a suspensory injury.
“The horse has fine legs and is prone to injuries like that.
“We’ve taken our time with him to get him back to make sure he is conditioned well.
“He had three trials before he raced last week.”
Trained by McCarthy’s father John McCarthy, Lord Zin Zan found the lead before gaining cover for last week’s assault.
Obtaining a dream run along the pegs, Lord Zin Zan rated the mile in 1:53.4 and pushed his earnings past $100,000 at start 24.
“I really like this horse and he has proven himself,” McCarthy said.
“Before his issues he sat parked and won in 1:51 to win and produced a few good runs.
“Touch wood he stays sound.”
Lord Zin Zan will face his next challenge in this afternoon’s Ainsworth Technologies Pace (2300m) at Tabcorp Park Menangle.
The son of Bettors Delight is yet to race over this distance in Australia but did the majority of his racing in his homeland in race distances over 2000m.
Last preparation, the five-year-old finished second in the Chariots Of Fire to Have Faith In Me in a mile rate of 1:48.8.
Since arriving in Australia in 2015, the horse has had seven starts for three wins and four placings.
McCarthy has driven Lord Zin Zan on three occasions and twice to victory and is one of the reinsman’s many drives today.
The 24-year-old is also engaged to drive the favourite Match Point in the Group 3 Garrards Horse and Hound Final (1609m).
Currently a $3 chance with TAB Fixed Odds, Match Point won his heat last week in a mile rate of 1:51.9 and has drawn barrier 12 on the second row.
The horse Match Point follows out of the gate in barrier two is Stanley Ross Robyn, the $3.80 second favourite.
Next in the line of betting is Epaulette (four) who has been a revelation in recent weeks with reinswoman Martelle Maguire on board.
Maguire landed the drive on the gelding in a Group 2 a couple of starts ago and has won two races with Epaulette since.
Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 33 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by a Board of Directors and is independent of Government.
To arrange an interview or for further information please contact:
AMANDA RANDO | MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
(02) 9722 6600 • arando@hrnsw.com.au • @Amanda_Rando