After impressively winning the Auckland Cup over 3200 meters in March, Roger That will have his first race of the new season over 1600 meters in Race 2 the Zest Handicap, but trainer Antony Fuller admits it won’t be easy for the 8YO gelding, having to give his rivals at least 8kgs on what will be a heavy track. The locally trained stayer will not be entered in this years Melbourne Cup due to a logistical travel headache and uncertainty over the COVID 19 outbreak in Victoria. Antony Fuller admits it is disappointing that he won’t be able to have a shot at the Melbourne Cup and under normal conditions, there is no doubt they would have been going, but he will now have to take a patient approach with his stayer and wait another 12 months.

Racing gets underway the Saturday at 12.45 with the last race at 4.20 but the event will be raced under lockdown rules with no spectators, owners or sponsors.