Simon Zahra gives Xarpo crack at $150,000 Flemington race in ‘obvious’ decision

Last-start winner Xarpo returns to Flemington to tackle another 1400m BM70 contest but for significantly more prizemoney.

Simple logic demanded Simon Zahra extend Xarpo’s maiden campaign to take in Saturday’s TAB We’re On at Flemington.

Xarpo comfortably handled the class rise from maiden company when an easy winner at Benchmark 70 level at Flemington on New Year’s Day.

The New Year’s Day race was worth $65,000 but the TAB We’re On carries $150,0000 in prizemoney but is also a Benchmark 70 contest.

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“It was an obvious thing to have a crack at racing for 150 grand,” Zahra said.

“She only goes up a kilo off a high minimum so she’s also well in at the weights and the race isn’t any harder.

“She won really well on New Year’s Day and I don’t think this field is much harder than it was the other day.

“I don’t see why she wouldn’t run well again.”

Xarpo winning at Flemington on New Year’s Day. Picture: Brett Holburt/Racing Photos via Getty Images

Zahra said a slight difference from Xarpo’s last start was the shorter time between runs, but added that should not stop the daughter of The Autumn Sun proving hard to hold out at Flemington.

“I’ve been pretty kind to her. She was four weeks between runs before her maiden win and three weeks into her last win so the shorter back-up is a little bit of a query,” Zahra said.

“But it’s not like she’s been running every two weeks.

“I don’t usually back them up that quickly but she’s very well and still bucking her brands off at home.”

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Punters have launched into Xarpo in early betting on Saturday’s Flemington opener, backing her from $3 to $2.30, leaving her the clear favourite ahead of Stormy Grove at $5.

Apprentice Ryan Houston will take over from Liam Riordan on Xarpo on Saturday.

Zahra said the start of the race would be Houston’s biggest challenge.

“Ryan will have his first ride on her and she can have a little bit of trouble getting out of the gates so he will need to be switched on early,” Zahra said.

Originally published as Simon Zahra gives Xarpo crack at $150,000 Flemington race in ‘obvious’ decision