<h2>Brayden Star Eyes Zipping Classic Ahead of Pakenham Cup – Trifecta Summary:</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- &nbsp; Brayden Star weighing up Group 2 Zipping Classic run at Caulfield as Pakenham Cup preparation.</p> <p>- &nbsp; Trainers Busuttin and Young favour December's Pakenham Cup as a softer option for the Group 2 winner.</p> <p>- &nbsp; Herbert Power Stakes victor could target Auckland Cup following summer campaign.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Zipping Classic Consideration for Pakenham Cup Preparation</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained galloper has emerged as a genuine staying contender following his breakthrough Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes victory.</p> <p>However, connections are carefully weighing their options ahead of what shapes as a crucial decision in Brayden Star's spring campaign.</p> <p>Fresh from finishing fourth in the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m), Brayden Star has returned to Cranbourne after a week's spell looking particularly well.</p> <p>Busuttin acknowledged the horse's impressive condition has created somewhat of a selection headache.</p> <p>"He does very well, the horse, he had a gallop Saturday morning and we're umming and ahhing whether to go to the Zipping," Busuttin explained.</p> <p>The trainer's initial plan involved heading straight to the Pakenham Cup on December 13, but Brayden Star's rapid improvement between runs has opened up alternative pathways.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Weight-for-Age Challenge Versus Handicap Opportunity</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Group 2 Zipping Classic (2400m) presents a significant test underweight-for-age conditions, with Busuttin realistic about his charge's winning prospects against the elite field expected to assemble at Caulfield.</p> <p>The $750,000 feature race would provide valuable prize money, though the trainer suspects it may prove "a bit beyond his grasp" given the quality of opposition.</p> <p>By contrast, the Pakenham Cup (2500m) offers more favourable handicap conditions where Brayden Star's rating could work in his favour.</p> <p>"Pakenham would probably be softer for him," Busuttin noted, highlighting the tactical advantage of targeting the December feature over Saturday's weight-for-age assignment.</p> <p>The recent Queen Elizabeth Stakes performance provided valuable insight into the six-year-old's current capabilities.</p> <p>Despite running a solid fourth, jockey Tim Clark's post-race feedback suggested the 2600m distance on heavy ground stretched Brayden Star's stamina reserves more than anticipated.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Long-Term Campaign Planning</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Looking beyond the immediate spring targets, connections harbour ambitions for an extended staying campaign.</p> <p>The Auckland Cup (3200m) in March looms as a potential autumn objective, with plans to freshen Brayden Star following the Pakenham Cup should that race proceed as planned.</p> <p>This strategic approach reflects the careful management of a horse who has already achieved Group 2 success but appears capable of further black-type victories at the right level.</p> <p>With form figures reading Herbert Power (1st), Moonee Valley Gold Cup (unplaced), and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (4th) from his past three starts, Brayden Star has established himself among the country's leading middle-distance performers.</p> <p>The decision on Saturday's Zipping Classic participation will ultimately depend on final track conditions and the horse's continued progress, with punters advised to monitor markets closely as connections finalise their spring strategy.</p>