Dunn - Course to suit Zaira in Let's Elope

Top jockey Dwayne Dunn says Zaira's racing style will help the mare graduate to stakes class in Saturday's Group II Let's Elope Stakes (1400m) at Flemington.

Zaira led her rivals a merry dance to post a convincing first-up win with Dunn in the saddle at Moonee Valley on August 20.

Dunn said the Hawkes Racing-trained mare found the lead easily before travelling comfortably up front Moonee Valley. The rider said Zaira would benefit from the prevailing racing pattern over the 1400-metre course at Flemington.

A perfect draw of barrier one has increased Zaira's chances of upsetting a smart field of mares, which includes Group I winners Brazilian Pulse, Keep The Peace and Barinka.

"She jumped well from the barriers and found the front easily at Moonee Valley," Dunn said.

"She should be able to do the same, even in the better field on Saturday.

"The 1400-metre start at Flemington usually favours the on-pacers, which will favour her but she needs things in her favour because of the step up in grade on Saturday."

The daughter of Fastnet Rock has won five of her eight starts to date, including three metropolitan successes, to earn her shot at black-type level in the spring.

Dunn said Zaira's form indicated she would relish the step up to 1400 metres on Saturday. The five-year-old is unbeaten from two second-up attempts at 1400 metres.

"She just rolls along in a relaxed sort of way," Dunn said. "She travels kindly and has a good little turn of foot.

"The 1400 metres will suit her perfectly and if she gets a good run in the race, she is certainly a chance."

Story: Brad Waters RaceNet