Story by Mandy Cottell – Racing and Sports
A brief stint in the paddock and a pipe-opening barrier trial have ensured Doomben 10,000 favourite Mazu is in perfect condition for his hit-and-run raid on the 2022 TAB Queensland Racing Carnival.
Trainers Peter and Paul Snowden declared their intention to target the 10,000 when Mazu extended his winning sequence to five by overhauling In The Congo and racing away with the Arrowfield 3YO Sprint over 1200 metres at Randwick on April 9
He is a nominal $2.40 TAB fixed odds favourite for Saturday's $1 million race after ramping up his preparations with a barrier trial win last week.
"It was a nice tick over trial. It wasn't a hard one, just enough to get him back into stride," Peter Snowden said.
"Pre-trial he was really good, very relaxed, which is always a good sign for him. The more relaxed he is, the better he goes.
"He's on track."
Mazu and stable-mate Signore Fox, who will also line up in the 10,000, will travel to Brisbane on Wednesday.
Wet weather is forecast in South East Queensland this week and while Signore Fox is better on top of the ground, rain-affected conditions will be no concern for Mazu, who is unbeaten in three starts on heavy tracks.
"He's one horse you don't have to worry about anything like that," Snowden said.
"Wet or dry, he's like dual The Everest winner Redzel, he goes just the same."
Mazu is a clear-cut market pick for the Doomben 10,000 over 1200 metres ahead of last-start Victory Stakes winner Count De Rupee.
The latter shares the second line of betting with New Zealander Entriviere and local hope Isotope, who are all $8 chances.