As the Zipping Classic nears, Serpentine, under jockey Jye McNeil, aims for redemption, channeling the legacy of champions past, with hopes of a triumphant return to form in this prestigious staying contest.
With the Zipping Classic set to take place this Saturday at Caulfield, all attention is focused on Serpentine, the horse who will don the famous silks of Zipping, after whom the race is named. Jockey Jye McNeil, recognized for his ability to perform under pressure, is optimistic that it will be third time lucky as he reunites with the stayer trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. Their previous partnerships included a 19th-place finish in the 2023 Melbourne Cup and a ride in a 2500m handicap at Flemington the prior year.
Although Serpentine's path through Australian racing has been characterized by a lack of consistency, the gelding seems to have found his form at an ideal moment. He is owned by the renowned Lloyd and Nick Williams, the same figures behind Zipping, which makes Serpentine's journey intriguingly similar to that of the horse whose legacy remains significant. Zipping was a formidable contender in the Sandown Classic—now named in his honor—achieving four straight victories from 2007 to 2010 and solidifying his status in the annals of Australian racing history.
McNeil is well-acquainted with success aboard horses owned by the Williams family, having guided Twilight Payment to a win in the 2020 Melbourne Cup. This week, he got back aboard Serpentine for a trackwork gallop at Caulfield, which provided an optimistic glimpse into the gelding's preparedness. “He was very strong, and the best part was his last two furlongs,” McNeil noted, displaying quiet confidence. “It was excellent work, indicating that he is in good form.”
Serpentine's recent performances highlight his competitiveness. In his previous race, he secured a solid second place, finishing just behind Melbourne Cup placegetter Okita Soushi in the Moonee Valley Cup. Most recently, he ended up fourth in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m) at Flemington, a race that was run at a slow pace and affected his finishing sprint. McNeil recognized the influence of the tactical pace on that race and is optimistic about a more genuinely contested race this weekend.
“The last race was run at a very slow pace, which made it challenging,” McNeil stated. “I believe we will figure that out as we approach the race day, but I have faith that the connections definitely know how to succeed in this kind of race.” His trust in the gelding's condition and the connections’ knowledge is well-founded, as few owners grasp the intricacies of staying races like the Williams family does.
For McNeil, the upcoming race on Saturday is not solely focused on strategies but also on tapping into Serpentine's full capabilities. Although he hasn't had extensive experience racing with the horse, his confidence in the gelding's condition remains strong. "I believe he has the right profile. He’s in good shape to be competitive," McNeil stated. "His training here has been excellent, and if everything goes well, he should be competitive on Saturday. One thing I can assure is that he’s in good form."
As the Zipping Classic approaches, the narrative of Serpentine is one of revival and potential. With a jockey of McNeil's expertise aboard and the legacy of Zipping fueling their ambition, this could be the opportunity for the former Epsom Derby champion to reassert his excellence in the racing arena. Should all factors align, Serpentine could very well contribute another chapter to the illustrious achievements of the Williams family in Australian staying events.
