Jay Is Jay my most talented dog after Queensland Derby win
Queensland Derby winner Jay Is Jay did not set the world on fire with his first sectional of 5.57 seconds from the eight box at Albion Park.
But that didn't matter because he got through unscathed and had himself sitting comfortably in second spot after rounding the first turn in the Group 2 feature worth $72,000 and over 520m.
From there he displayed his raw talent and was unstoppable, saluting in an excellent time of 29.88 seconds, three lengths clear of runner-up Electrified.
Co-trainer Michael Zammit knew after the two-year-old – who he says is the most gifted dogs he's trained – cleverly negotiated the first turn that he would be hard to beat.
“I knew he was good enough. He's a fast dog, so he normally runs fast everywhere (across all track sections),” he told Australian Racing Greyhound.
“But what he runs on the back straight is normally pretty good, and same with the other sectionals.
“It was a good effort and he had to cover a bit of ground. He showed how tough he is to the line.
“It was exceptional and we're very happy with him.”
Zammit remarked after the victory on Thursday night it did not worry him and wife Selena that Jay Is Jay drew the dreaded outside lane because of his ability to go around his competitors.
They weren't 100 per cent positive he would comfortably negotiate his way around the field, but they knew he had the talent and strength to withstand some early pressure.
“We weren't exactly sure because he only had one start from out wide and he got into trouble,” Zammit said.
“But I had a feeling he'd hang on there.
“We were just worried where he'd be on the corner – it could've been ugly, and it's a fine line sometimes.
“But once I saw him go outside of them and not do anything stupid, I knew he had his chance.”
Zammit said there was nothing lucky about the fashion in which Jay Is Jay stepped up from box eight to prevail in the 2023 Queensland Derby Final.
That is because he says the two-year-old is the most talented chaser he's had in his care.
“We rate this dog very highly. He's probably the most promising dog we've ever had over 500m at Albion,” he said.
“It's no fluke what he did after his early victories over 500m.
“We're grateful to have a dog that good, too. They're hard to get and so you treasure them.
“Hopefully we can have a bit more luck with him.”
From the moment Zammit saw Jay Is Jay's very first trial at Albion Park early in 2022, he knew he had a special chaser under his care, producing a very impressive run.
And when he repeated that effort, Michael and Selena knew their youngster could go on to do special things.
“After his first trial I was interested to see what he'd run next time because it was very impressive,” Zammit said.
“So when he went back and backed it up we thought ‘geez, we've got a dog with plenty of ability'.
“We were very excited at the prospects at what he'd end up like.”
Zammit said Thursday night's victory was extra special because of the connection he and Selena built with the dam of Jay Is Jay, Kealoah.
She fought hard to record 12 wins from her 104 starts over a three-year career.
“It was emotional because we raised his mother, and it was an emotional bond through the breeding,” Zammit said.
“We love racing and if we have a bit of luck here and there with some good ones, it's great for us.
“We don't have a very big team. It means a bit more to us now because we don't have as many dogs.
“We have them as pups and we love it.”
Adding to the emotion of a memorable evening was the fact Selena's mother and the owner of Jay Is Jay, Lillian Jones – who has been unwell – was trackside at Brisbane Greyhound Racing Club.
“She hasn't been well. She had a fall a couple of months ago. It's pretty hard for her to get around, but it was good,” Zammit said.
“She's starting to get around a little slowly.
“It was a draining but worthwhile night. She wouldn't have regretted a second being there.”
Zammit said Jay Is Jay's next target would be the $70,000 Golden Ticket, with the final on January 12.
“The noms for the Golden Ticket close on Monday, so hopefully we get a run in it,” he said.
“I'd say he'd get a run, but in saying that he's a fifth-grader.
“I don't know how they'd grade and whether they'd use discretion or not.
“I'd say on his form he'd be unlucky not to get a run.”