Zeefa Zed’s record hasn’t always emulated his talent, and John Wheeler is hoping the gelding can put his true ability on display in Saturday’s Norm Bevan Memorial Maiden Steeplechase (4000m).

A 10-year-old by Zed, Zeefa Zed has won seven races including one over the hurdles last season, but hasn’t kicked off this term how Wheeler would have anticipated, losing the rider at Te Rapa on two separate occasions.

“He’s a bit of an arrogant horse, but also he’s a pretty good horse that hasn’t had a lot of luck,” he said.

“His last start, he jumped the jump itself well, but he slipped on landing as it’s pretty slippery down the back there at Te Rapa, and the rider fell off. The start before that, it was basically a rider error, so I’ll be disappointed if he doesn’t get around on Saturday.

“If he does, he’s a winning chance.”

The race will be Zeefa Zed’s debut around Trentham’s unique figure-eight circuit, with Emily Farr back in the saddle on this occasion.

“I think every horse likes the figure-eight, it’s more like a steeplechase with the open country,” he said. “It’s really interesting, it would be disappointing if we ever lost it.”

Wheeler’s familiar colours will also feature over the smaller fences, with the consistent Sir Maverick chasing a maiden success in the Autotech Doors Maiden Hurdle (2500m).

“He’s only four and he’s got a fair bit in front of him,” Wheeler said. “He’s a gifted jumper, he may not have the biggest ticker in the world, but I think as he matures, he’ll get a lot tougher.

“I’ve been pretty happy with his runs, he’s come through the last one terrific and he looks fantastic.”

On the flat, impressive last-start winner Keen On Bubbles will relish the heavy track conditions, but Wheeler holds concerns around her 66.5kg impost in the Wellington Lunch Club Supporting Racing At Trentham (2200m).

“I’m a little bit worried about having an amateur on, with the weight they have to carry,” he said. “She’s not a very big mare, so that’s a negative.

“But she won super the other day and she’s going very well at the moment. It’s just her stature that will be a disadvantage this time.”

Completing his representatives will be Jetalal, who he is hoping for an improved performance from when she contests the Sport Of Kings Upper Hutt Cossie (1600m).

“I’ve been disappointed in her, I thought she was going to be a reasonable horse, so I’ll be disappointed if she doesn’t go well on Saturday,” he said.

“She’s a big, grouse mare and takes a bit to get fit, so hopefully, fingers crossed we can get a result.”