After successive midweek Sandown victories, the time has come for Age Of Chivalry (He's Remarkable) to be tested against some of Victoria's best three-year-olds.
Simon Zahra, who trains in partnership with his cousin Mathew Ellerton, said Saturday's Gr.3 C S Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington was the opportunity to find out where of Age Of Chivalry sits.
His opposition includes Victoria Derby winner Extra Brut, Sandown Guineas winner Ringerdingding and Carbine Club Stakes winner Rainier.
While Saturday's race may be a little stronger than Zahra was expecting, he is confident Age Of Chivalry can acquit himself well.
"He's a horse on the rise," Zahra said.
"The 1400 metres is what he wants and the ten-day back-up suits.
"It was nearly a month in between runs when he won at Sandown last time and he just overdid it a bit.
"I think he's got the ability, it's just whether he's ready for something like this against more seasoned horses."
Zahra said Age Of Chivalry was his own worst enemy.
Bought for $50,000 at Ready To Run sale from the draft of Curraghmore, Age Of Chivalry was taught to jump and run, a trait the stable would like to see him reverse.
"He's probably a bit better ridden a bit quieter and allowed to finish off," Zahra said.
"I think he'll be a good miler that will step up to 2000 metres, but he's got to learn to chill.
"He's still a touch aggressive at the moment but he's only had the four starts and he's two from two this preparation."
If Age Of Chivalry performs well, Zahra said the team would like to push towards the Gr.2 Alister Clark Stakes at Moonee Valley on March 15. -AAP
