General faces litmus test

Wed, July 13 2011

The moment of truth has arrived for the Jason Manning-trained General Mazeratti.

His participation in further races during the Darwin Cup Carnival will hinge on his performance in the Bridge Toyota Cup (1600m) - the feature race on Day 3 of the 2011 program at Fannie Bay today.

"He has been set for these type of races,'' said Manning yesterday.

"Tomorrow's race will determine his short-term future and if he happens to win the event or put in a bold showing then he will definitely start in the Metric Mile (July 23).

"He is currently assured of a start in the Metric Mile as he is No.11 in the order of entry, but the Toyota Cup will be his main test as he has never raced over 1600m before.

"However, he has been screaming for a longer distance and I'll assess his future after tomorrow's race.''

A renowned sprinter, the six-year-old gelding enjoyed wins at Fannie Bay in two starts over 1100m and 1200m last December - during the height of the wet season.

He returned on June 11 when he finished sixth over 1200m behind Exalation, but failed to get a start in the NT-TAB ROANT Cup (1300m) on June 25 as he was an emergency.

On Day 1 of the Carnival he lined up in the Sportingbet Handicap (1200m) where he followed Bankers Lamp home in fifth place.

"At his best he does rattle home, so hopefully he'll settle midfield at worst in the Toyota Cup and produce his customary late burst,'' Manning said.

"Even on wet tracks over the shorter distances he would settle at the rear of the field before running his rivals down.

"To a degree, he kind of runs against the pattern here in Darwin where most horses who normally led at the turn, which has been the case during the Carnival, end up winning.''

Story courtesy of David White, NT News