The dream clash of 2022 is taking shape with confirmation super New Zealand jumper Zed Em is in training for May’s Grand Annual Steeplechase at Warrnambool.

Trainer Patrick Payne said on Friday that renowned Kiwi trainer Kevin Myers was taking the 11-year-old through some South Island trials and point-to-points to have him ready for what would be a fifth run in Australia’s most testing horse race.

It would also continue one of jumps racing’s most enduring battles with 12-year-old Gold Medals also in work for his fifth and final start over the 5500-metre journey in May.

‘’He’s in full swing back in New Zealand and he’ll make his way over some time maybe in February,’’ Payne said.

‘’It depends a bit on the flights but he might be a bit later this year because there is no Oakbank, where you could run in those set weights and penalties races to get them ready.

‘’But I am sure there will be a suitable lead-up to the carnival.’’

WATCH: 2021 Grand Annual Steeplechase

Payne said the prospect of a fifth clash with Gold Medals in the Annual was mouth-watering but he said he hoped both veterans would not be asked to carry too much weight in the race in what looms as their final shot.

Gold Medals is rising 13 and so must retire on July 31 in 2022 while Zed Em is one year younger but is a veteran of seven trips across the Tasman, having first come to Melbourne in 2016 when fourth in the Grand National Steeplechase behind Wells.

‘’It would be a great race if they could get there again but it would be nice if they got some relief from the handicapper,’’ Payne said.

‘’They are getting older and the others are coming up on them.’’

Last year, Zed Em lumped 71kgs into second place while Gold Medals carried 68.5kgs to victory in one of the great Grand Annuals where the two champs ran clear to again fight it out.