With some of the most prestigious races about to commence in New Zealand there is still a small number of racehorses going in the reverse direction to compete in races across Australia.

While New Zealand have been world renowned for their ability to produce racehorses that have been eminently successful in nearly every jurisdiction, the arrival of the lightly raced Zoltan is proof enough that owners in New Zealand and indeed Australia are prepared to roll the dice.

Zoltan is part owned by Melbourne businessman Richard Trayling and New Zealand racing enthusiast Mal Barratt.

Along with other racing lovers, long-term friends Trayling and Barratt decided to breed from former top line stallion Ebony Grosve.

Ebony Grosve, who is now dead, is the grandsire of Zoltan, whose dam Ebony Babe won three races. Four-year-old Zoltan has shown ability enough to warrant a preparation in Australia.

Zoltan will start at Caulfield on Sunday at his debut for Warrnambool trainer, Symon Wilde, who is suitably impressed by Zoltan’s work since landing at his stable.

“He was going to start at Flemington but we thought we’d wait until Caulfield and that just gives us another week to have him prepared.

“He’s done everything we’ve asked so it will be interesting to see how he measures up in Australia,” Wilde said.

Zoltan is a half-brother to the group one-winning galloper Sound Proposition, however Trayling and his partners are understandably buoyed given that last month Zoltan finished ahead of subsequent Randwick winner Lightning Jack, another ex-Kiwi, in a group two race at Riccarton.

“That’s a great form line that shows that Lightning Jack who finished behind us when they last clashed managed to win a strong race in Sydney so let’s hope that form translates to us when we make our debut at Caulfield,” Wilde said.

“The horse comes from the Kenny Rae stable that of course produced Dream Queen, a group winner for the Hayes family on Cox Plate Day. Kenny fully understands why we are doing this and the trip to Australia goes with his blessing.”

Zoltan had an interrupted three-year-old year but has since shown that those problems are behind him, and he could well make for a very happy Christmas for his connections if the Kiwi galloper can put his head in front on Boxing Day.