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A much-improved performance is expected of the Group winning stayer Graphic when he takes on weight-for-age company next time out.

The Michael Moroney and Chad Ormsby-trained stayer has had two runs this time in after a lengthy break following his Gr.2 Wellington Cup victory at Trentham in January.

“He’s coming along well and he’s going to run in the Zabeel Classic at Ellerslie on Boxing Day,” racing manager Nick Fairweather said.

“Things didn’t pan out for him last time, but he has come through the race well and Chad’s more than happy with the horse.”

Graphic was an eye-catching fourth in an open handicap when resuming in October, but was below par when he tailed the field home over a mile in last month’s Gr.3 Eagle Technology Stakes at Ellerslie.

“He did miss a bit of work between races with a minor problem and Chad thought he needed the run,” Fairweather said.

“Craig (Grylls) was happy with the way he felt though and the horse is going to strip a lot fitter on Boxing Day.”

Graphic holds nominations for the Gr.3 Scot Thrust City of Auckland Cup on New Year’s Day, the Gr.2 Platinum Homes Wellington Cup on January 24 and longer-term the Gr.1 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup on March 4.

“It depends how he goes next week and then what weight he might get in those feature handicaps,” Fairweather said.

“Chad is a strong believer in the horse’s ability to carry weight so it might not make too much difference.”