Racing: Aussie raiders eye Taylor

A diabolical Interdominion series for Australian horses has not discouraged two transtasman trainers from venturing to these shores for tonight's Noel J. Taylor Mile.

Zaneden and Romeo's Legend, both of whom have competed against the best of their age in Australia for most of their careers, arrived in fine fettle for a match-up with a 4-year-old field that will be missing stars Roman Gladiator and Mi Muchacho.

"I'm not going to be like the other Aussies and blame the track," said Bob Morley, trainer of Romeo's Legend. "He had a 15-hour float trip from Brisbane to Sydney before flying to Auckland but he hasn't missed any feed and has taken it all in his stride."

Romeo's Legend has fashioned an impressive record of 26 wins from 56 starts, numbers that underline not only his quality but also his durability.

"He had 16 starts as a 2-year-old for eight wins," said Morley. "At that stage he was still learning and sometimes his brain would go faster than his legs could handle, but now he does nothing wrong at all."

Morley was encouraged to make the trip after racing against New Zealand 4-year-olds Winforu and Fake Denario in Australia, and also because of the absence of Roman Gladiator.

"There's nothing much around for him at home until July or August and I thought, why spell him when he's racing at the top of his game?"

Romeo's Legend possesses excellent gate-speed, giving driver Brent Mangos plenty of options in the short run to the first turn.

"I don't want to jinx him," said a cautious Morley, "but he's never been beaten when he's been in front."

The other Australian visitor, Zaneden, enjoys a 4-0 career edge over his compatriot and has been beaten only once this season - a desperately unlucky fourth in the Chariots Of Fire.

Like Romeo's Legend, Zaneden had a look at Alexandra Park this week and did enough to please his caretaker trainer.

"He's not much of a track worker," said Peter Taylor, father of Zaneden's official trainer, Glenn. "He's one of those horses that hangs in whichever way you work him. But we do 90 per cent of his work back home right-handed so I don't think it will be a problem."

Zaneden had just three starts as a juvenile and it has only been this season as a 4-year-old that he has shown the full extent of his ability.

"He's only just starting to come good now," said Taylor.

"He's more of a staying horse. When he won the Hondo Grattan he sat back last then moved to the death and just ran away from [subsequent Chariots Of Fire winner] Slipnslide in 1:56.

"There were a lot of Victorians whinging about Alexandra Park after the Interdominions and they probably think we're mad coming here. The New Zealanders are already proven and we're the new kids on the block."

That lack of experience is most pronounced when placed alongside a horse such as Winforu, in his twentieth start on the track tonight. He is a brilliant beginner from the mobile, but has not raced since the Interdominion final. However, he ran creditably at last weekend's workouts, finishing a close fourth after starting from a 40m handicap.

Strong opposition should also come from bookmakers' favourite Likmesiah and southern iron-horse Onedin Legacy, though both appear less suited by tonight's race than next week's Messenger Championship.

Noel J. Taylor Memorial Mile

* A $100,000 group one for 4-year-old pacers.

* It has attracted two Australian raiders: Romeo's Legend and Zaneden.

* The New Zealand TAB has Likmesiah as the $4.50 favourite, ahead of Winforu and Zaneden on $5.50.

* Missing will be Roman Gladiator and Mi Muchacho.