Fresh Zetorio chases Magic Millions

Albany galloper Zetorio will resume from a spell in Saturday’s listed $100,000 Magic Millions WA 3YO Trophy (1200m) at Pinjarra with trainer Roy Rogers bullish on his prospects.

Zetorio was spelled after running last in the WA Guineas (1600m) on November 24 but prior to that was more than competitive in three-year-old features the Fairetha Stakes (1400m) and Belgravia (1200m).

The son of Oratorio was a slashing maiden winner at his third start and made it back-to-back wins at Belmont after that.

Zetorio will contest one of two feature races on the metropolitan card at Pinjarra and Rogers was confident he was fit and firing.

“He is working the joint down and goes really good fresh,” Rogers said.

“It was only a short let-up, to freshen his head up because he had a hard campaign.

“There is plenty of speed in the race, he’ll get back and get home but I think he’ll be very competitive.

“I don’t think it’s overly strong this race, there are no Arcadia Queen’s, no Valour Road’s or Lordhelpmerun’s in it.”

In-form jockey Daniel Staeck will replace regular rider Jason Whiting in the saddle and Rogers said that was a simple decision to remain with his stable hoop.

Whiting has ridden Zetorio in all but one of his eight race starts so far but will instead be aboard Snowchino for David Harrison. Zetorio’s hopes were dealt a blow when he drew gate 11 in Tuesday’s barrier draw.

Rogers and Staeck have formed a very successful partnership, the combination have a 27 per cent winning strike rate this season with 15 winners from 55 starters.

Rogers will start Captain Stirling on the same card, the smart sprinter contesting a 1000m race after running second at Ascot last Saturday.

Captain Stirling won three races in a line before coming to metropolitan grade last start.

Staeck will partner Arrum Boy for Albany trainer Steve Wolfe in Pinjarra and he also jumps back on My Greek Boy who jumps up to 1600m after his breakthrough win last start.

Three Secrets will have his second run back from a break over 1200m on Saturday for Wolfe with Shaun McGruddy engaged.