3 minute read
Boom Victorian Keayang Zahara extended her unbeaten run to four when bettering the boys to complete the NSW Trotters Oaks/Derby double at Menangle on Saturday night.
The Margaret Lee-trained filly had arrived in Sydney off easy wins in her first two outings and overcame difficulties in the Oaks when she was beaten for speed and was shuffled back in the field before getting off the pegs and running on to win impressively.
It was a case of déjà vu in Saturday's Derby when Keayang Zahara again drew the inside and again couldn't hold the lead and at one point found herself four back and locked away on the pegs.
Driver Jason Lee kept a cool head and was able to work the filly off the inside and that's where her class really shone.
Taken four wide on the home bend Keayang Zahara unleased a brilliant sprint and had the race wrapped up 200 from home, drawing clear to score by 3.8m.
The consistent Pinnie made it a fillies' one-two by chasing well for second with outsider Agent Black third from a wide draw.
With just four starts under her belt Keayang Zahara can only be expected to improve as she gains in experience and maturity.
The stable has made no commitment as to what comes next for the filly but the Group 1 The Great Square during The Constellations carnival in Brisbane is an option if connections wish to push on with her maiden preparation.
Saturday night's Listed Narrogin Cup was the weekend's feature race in the west and saw Pinny Tiger take advantage of the inside draw for a narrow win.
Pinny Tiger has been a model of consistency this campaign, going into the race off a string of wins and placings including a last-start third in the Group 1 Fremantle Cup.
As expected Pinny Tiger had little trouble holding the lead from the mobile and dominated the race in front but came under pressure in the home straight, digging deep to hold outsider off Feeling Aces by a head with Nullarbor Navajo back in third.
Feature races this week:
Wednesday: Western Regional Championship Final at Bathurst
Friday: Riverina Regional Championship Final at Wagga; Hunter Regional Championship Final at Newcastle; Diamond 3F Classic at Gloucester Park
Saturday: Metropolitan Regional Championship Final at Menangle; 2YO Southern Stars Final at Globe Derby.
