Keayang Zahara back with a vengeance

Australia’s most talked about trotting mare Keayang Zahara (Volstead) resumed her harness racing career this time in with a narrow but courageous win In the Hertz Melton Trotters Free For All at Melton on Saturday night.

Having taken all before as a juvenile, and unbeaten from 14 appearances was installed as a warm favourite but she was pitted against the in form mare I’m Ready Jet.

In an emotional evening when Harness Racing around Australia paid tribute to the life of the late Greg Sugars, Keayang Zahara’s connections were given permission to race in Sugars famous red and green colours.

In addition drivers were asked to wear black armbands throughout the meeting with a reflection ceremony and minute’s silence between races four and five.

Keayang Zahara was driven for the first time by Glen Craven whose regular driver Jason Lee allowed his cousin to take the charge. From the mobile despatch Craven was in no rush with the mare and allowed her to settle down towards the rear of the small field of six.

Kate Gath on I’m Ready Jet was beaten for early speed by Plymouth Chubb but no sooner had the field sorted itself out, Gath quickly moved around to take up the running. Keayang Zahara was left without cover and gradually moved up to creep closer to I’m Ready Jet.

Given that it was Keayang Zahara’s first run some wondered whether the race fitness of I’m Ready Jet would prevail. But Keayang Zahara displaying that wonderful grit and determination that we have been accustomed to seeing lunged at the lead near the finish and she edged out I’m Ready Jet by half a neck with Plymouth Chubb 11 metres away third.

KEAYANG ZAHARA 3 MAY REPLAY

Keayang Zahara returned a mile rate of 1.55.2 for the 1720 metre journey and her run was even more credible with the final two quarters in 28.5 and 27.9 seconds.

Keayang Zahara can only show improvement on that effort and if connections decide to go to next weeks Group 1 $100,000 Macarthur Trotters mile for mares she looks to have the race within her keeping.

The win of Keayang Zahara again highlighted the amazing record of her sire Volstead who was also successful with the diminutive little mare Pinnie in the opening event at Melton.

In North America, Volstead has a first crop of 29 foals eligible to race.

The two top mares are the same age as Keayang Zahara. Sugar Instead has had 22 wins from 28 starts and $US915,664 in prize money while Jurassic Hattie has had 11 wins from 23 starts and $US470,214 in earnings.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink