Keayang Zahara comeback delayed

Champion trotting mare Keayang Zahara’s (Volstead) return has been delayed slightly.

Speaking on SENTrack, co-trainer Paddy Lee said the five-year-old was “about two to three weeks” behind after a cold.

“She missed about eight days of work with a bit of a cough and we won’t rush her to catch up,” he said.

“Instead of trialling at Terang next week as planned, it’ll probably be three weeks until she trials now.

“We’ve still got plenty of time to get her right for the major targets.”

The first big target is the Group 1 Bill Collins Sprint on Victoria Cup night, October 17, at Melton.

Then the focus switches to NZ for the $NZ500,000 Group 1 Dominion Trot on November 10.

Lee revealed star three-year-old Keayang Bazlenka had the same cough.

“He should still be right for the Vicbred series, but won’t trial next Tuesday, either,” he said.

“It could be that he has to go into a Vicbred heat without a lead-up race.”

Team Lee is considering an NZ raid with Keayang Bazlenka as well with the Group 1 NZ Trotting Derby a logical target. There is also a prelude to the Derby during NZ Cup Week.

The stable has also nominated brilliant young mare Jilliby Dreamlover, winner of last month’s Group 1 Great Square, for the Dominion.

 

by Adam Hamilton for Harness Racing Victoria