Diary of a racehorse: Bracing dip and brand new shoes

Matamata farrier Allan Lambert hammers a light aluminium plate on to Zarius' hoof. Picture / Amos Chapple

Zarius is in for an easy day in the buildup to the Auckland Cup.

But it's not all oats and dozes as Zarius starts with a bracing 5am dip in something like a horse plunge pool, when the chilling air temperature is just eight degrees celsius.

The gelding has just come off the race track where he completed five trotting rounds led by a pony.

Zarius is led into the circular, water-filled race where he swims a lap, steam snorting out through his nostrils during the invigorating procedure that will help keep him fit without putting pressure on his legs and joints.

Later local farrier Allan Lambert arrives at Te Akau stables in Matamata to re-shoe Zarius. Horses' feet grow like human toenails so they require regular trimming and new plates.

Because Zarius is racing he is fitted out with light aluminium plates instead of steel horseshoes which are about four times heavier. Lambert's work has to come up to scratch as it is checked at race meetings by New Zealand Racing Association inspectors.

The day before Hamilton veterinarian Doug Black had assessed Zarius' trotting action and agreed with trainer Mark Walker that it was looking pretty good.

Black said Zarius had been a bit immature and even now still had to grow into his legs, so he had only been lightly raced to date.

"It will be about another six months before he peaks."

Black has to make sure, especially on the harder summer tracks, that any niggling problems with horses won't be exacerbated but he gives Zarius the all clear.

He says Zarius had been somewhat of an ugly duckling story, having initially shown no great promise.

But thanks to his training and good pedigree it was turning into a rags to riches fairy tale that could see Zarius make it all the way to the Melbourne Cup.

On Saturday Zarius shared third place with another cup rival Kind Return in the 2200 Skycity Nathans Memorial race.

Walker was pleased with his performance as Zarius had come from the back of the field to make a strong recovery in the last 100m.

That was encouraging given the Auckland Cup is 1000m longer and Zarius was proving he had the stamina and power to make the critical last burst over long distances.

* Tomorrow - Zarius at Ellerslie and his owner Bob Emery.

Countdown

Today: Auckland Cup Charity Ball

Tuesday: Parade of Champions, NewmarketKumeu Trotting Club twilight meeting, Alexandra Park

Wednesday: Auckland Cup Day

Thursday: Auckland International Boat Show

Friday: Auckland Trotting Cup

Saturday: Diamond Day