Zealand Star could be the tote-toppler for a memorable New Year’s Eve

At first glance Zealand Star would seem to have little chance in the fifth race at Alexandra Park on Monday.

But while his 84848 formline looks the worst in the race, and he starts from a second row draw against some very progressive opposition, he’s a much better prospect than his big odds will suggest.

Zealand Star has not paced a bad race since owner Merv Butterworth sent him north to Lincoln Farms from Lauren Pearson’s Winton stable.

• First-up he became buried on the markers and went to the line hard held with nowhere to go, only 3.7 lengths from the winner Solid Gold.
• At his next start on December 14 he ran fourth, pacing a sizzling 2:40.1 behind Ideal Star.
• And last time he finished eighth over a mile, just 5.2 lengths from winner Bounty Lady, a herculean performance after breaking as the gate left and settling 60 metres from the leaders.

Zealand Star clocked by far the fastest last 800 metres in that race, 55.6, with a red hot 27.6 third quarter.

On Monday the inside second row draw could actually be a godsend for this true-blue sit-sprinter as he follows out gate flier American Empress.

Three starts back, from the same ace draw, Sailesh Abernethy gunned American Empress out to lead a strong field in the Northern Breeders’ Stakes.

A repeat of those tactics could see Zealand Star land a dream trail and allow him to use his good turn of foot up the passing lane.

Trainer Ray Green reports Zealand Star has trained stylishly this week, a likely result of his hocks being injected.

“His hocks had been worrying him and he trained very well this morning and is looking very good.

“It’s all about draws and trips - not many can get a bad trip and excel - and while there are some nice types against him, if he could get a trail he’d be a chance.’’

Zachary Butcher takes the reins on Monday from junior driver Andrew Drake.