No rest for Caulfield-bound Vatican

Wednesday 8 May 2013, 3:15pm

Trainer Byron Cozamanis finds it difficult to resist the temptation to reward his consistent sprinter Vatican with a rest.

But he finds it even harder to ignore the cheques that have been rolling in since Vatican had the first run of his current preparation back in October.

Vatican has his 15th start since he resumed last October when he runs in Saturday's Elizabeth S Marshall Handicap (1100m) at Caulfield.

"I've probably got to turn him out soon," Cozamanis said.

"But he keeps on running so well, he must be enjoying it."

Vatican ran well enough over Saturday's course and distance at his last start, scoring at 20-1 and providing Cozamanis with plenty of petrol money for the car his horse won for him in the 955m Challenge at Moonee Valley earlier this year.

Vatican won two heats of the Valley series setting the fastest time of 54.69 seconds to secure the car and confirm his trainer's opinion of him.

"It was obvious he was fast, but everything came together in those Moonee Valley runs and he ran two fantastic races," Cozamanis said.

"And the great thing is he hasn't gone backwards. I think he showed that last start."

Unlike many high-speed horses, Vatican isn't only a "jump-and-run" type and Cozamanis is confident he will easily handle 1200m and maybe further after he returns from the spell he must inevitably have.

Vatican meets a similar field on Saturday to the one he beat at his previous start, and despite having an extra 3.5kg to carry his trainer is confident he will again be competitive.

"He's big and strong and he's in the best form of his life, so I'm not too concerned about anything," he said.

– AAP

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