Regal Zeus had to jump a few hurdles before even making it to the starting gates, but the John McArdle-trained galloper proved his toughness with a determined win in the Golden Mile at Bendigo on Saturday.
The four-year-old was nearly withdrawn from the meeting after an irregular blood test on Thursday. However, follow-up results on Friday came back clear, allowing trainer and stewards to give him the green light to race.
Just minutes before the jump, his participation was again in doubt when he played up in the barriers, requiring another vet check. He was ultimately passed fit and took full advantage of his opportunity.
Stepping straight from 1200m to 1600m after missing a run in last week’s Group 3 Victoria Handicap, Regal Zeus toughed it out on pace to record his first black-type win in the $200,000 Listed feature.
“He had a little bit of a blood (issue) Thursday afternoon, it was only very slight, but we spoke to the stewards and we reblooded him yesterday and it was OK yesterday afternoon,” McArdle said.
“He almost was a scratching. It’s probably not his usual routine to go from 1200 to 1600, but he was prepped up for the Victoria Handicap last week but he drew terrible.
“He’s just an incredibly tough horse.”
Backed at $7 on the betting site, Regal Zeus dug deep to fend off Smokin’ Princess ($6) by a short head, with roughie Arran Bay ($31) finishing strongly for third, a further 1-1/4 lengths back.
Jamie Mott guided Regal Zeus to victory, completing a feature double after winning the $200,000 Bendigo Guineas aboard Wonder Boy earlier in the day.
He also claimed the $130,000 BM84 earlier with Title Fighter, giving him a treble for the afternoon.
“He got a lot of pressure early, he had to absorb that, which he can do and he was out on his feet at the 150 but it just shows you what a tough racehorse he is,” Mott said of Regal Zeus.
“To ride three winners on Bendigo Mile Day for three Mornington trainers who support me is fantastic.
“It’s a long drive home, but I’m sure each one will be pleased.”
Regal Zeus can’t be run down in the Golden Mile!
