Volstead filly a star on the rise

Unbeaten filly Keayang Zahara (Volstead) served notice there is a rising star in the trotting ranks with a stunning harness racing win in the Group 1 $75,000 NSW Trotters Derby at Menangle.

In a blueprint of her equally impressive win in last week’s Group 1 NSW Trotters Oaks, Keayang Zahara was buried mid field along the pegs before Jason Lee somehow managed to ease into the running line with 800 metres to travel. 

Keayang Zahara rounded the home turn four wide before letting down to produce a powerful finale down the long Menangle home straight scoring running away from fellow Victorian filly Pinnie. 

The Marg Lee prepared Keayang Zahara is now unbeaten in four starts which includes an Oaks/Derby double. 

“She looks pretty special,” Lee said after the race. 

“I don’t know how far back she was but it looked like a long way, it was identical to her win in the Oaks last week,” she said. 

KEAYANG ZAHARA REPLAY

Bred by Lee and her son Paddy, Keayang Zahara didn’t make her race track debut until five weeks ago. 

“She had a preparation as a two- year- old but we wanted to look after her and give her time to mature, sometimes  you lose them if you race them as two- year- olds,” she said. 

Lee believes the daughter of Volstead has significant improvement ahead. 

“She has only had four starts and she is getting better and better with each start,” she said. 

“She has got to grow into a race horse yet.” 

Lee revealed Queensland officials are keen to attract Keayang Zahara to the upcoming Constellations Carnival. 

“They mentioned the Great Square but you can’t run in everything and we’ve still got the Breeders Crown and Vicbred Super Series back home,” she said. 

Keayang Zahara now boasts a record of four wins from as many starts for stake earnings of almost $90,000. 

For complete race results, click here.

by John Dunne, for Harnesslink