Mark Zahra is set for yet another huge Flemington Carnival after collating eight wins and three Group 1's in 2025.

Speaking on SEN Track & RSN’s Giddy Up with Gareth Hall, Zahra previewed some of his key steers to try and rematch his heroics.

Middle Earth

Zahra will partner Middle Earth in the Melbourne Cup, with the jockey encouraged by the way the stayer has been prepared for the race following his winter campaign in Queensland.

Zahra believes the decision to target the Cup immediately after his winter success is a positive sign, while the confidence of the horse’s connections has further strengthened his belief in the galloper’s chances.

“I love that this horse has been set for the Melbourne Cup straight after his win in the winter carnival in QLD, what I love,” Zahra said.

“For him to say it’s his best chance considering how many he might have in the race is a big tick.”

The Next Episode

The Next Episode is another horse catching Zahra’s attention, with the jockey pleased by the colt’s progression throughout his current preparation.

Having been particularly impressed by a gallop following the Danehill Stakes, Zahra believes the colt is approaching Saturday’s Coolmore Stud Stakes in excellent condition. While the horse has demonstrated his ability on wet ground, Zahra also believes he can perform on a firmer surface.

“He’s been one who’s been coming along beautifully this prep, I did a gallop after the Danehill which he just absolutely flew in, I think he’ll be cherry ripe,” Zahra said.

“He goes alright on the dry but obviously he is proven in the wet.”

Zahra also drew comparisons between The Next Episode and fellow juvenile star Tentyris, highlighting similarities in their temperaments while identifying one key difference.

“Him and Tentyris both have that laid-back nature, but I would say he leaves the gates a little better than Tentyris,” he said.

Vallice

Zahra also discussed Vallice’s prospects in Saturday’s Victoria Derby, with the colt another runner whose preparation has been geared towards the staying contest for some time.

The jockey believes the Derby is particularly difficult to assess this year, with stamina likely to play a decisive role over the 2500-metre journey. He suggested that securing a favourable barrier could prove crucial in such an open field.

“Another one that Ciaron has set for the race for a while now. It’s a very open Derby this year.

“I think you can honestly say 75% of them won’t run out the 2500m, so you just hope you can draw a good gate,” Zahra said.

Warnie

Among Zahra’s other rides to watch is Warnie, who will be looking to secure back-to-back victories in the Damien Oliver.

Zahra is optimistic about the horse’s chances of repeating last year’s success, identifying him as a strong contender for the race.

“He is looking to go back to back in that race, he should be a great chance,” Zahra said.

With the Melbourne Cup Carnival underway, Zahra has several promising opportunities across the major races, with Middle Earth, The Next Episode and Vallice among the horses he will be hoping can deliver in the coming days.