Tim Zoo back to winning form with Group 3 John Dillon Memorial
Tim Zoo delivered a commanding performance in the Group 3 Sir John Dillon Memorial (595m) at Sandown Park on Saturday night, showcasing his brilliance over the middle distance with a blistering run of 33.67 seconds as he returned to winning.
The victory, achieved with an eight-length margin, was a testament to the greyhound’s potential at this distance, cementing him as a star to watch in the coming months with a potential The Pheonix slot, currently a $21 hope at Neds.
Breaking sharply from Box 2, Tim Zoo immediately established himself at the front, navigating early pressure from Zipping Kai and Succeed.
Displaying remarkable pace and control, the Jason Thompson-trained chaser extended his lead with each stride, leaving the field trailing as he surged to the finish as the $2.80 favourite with the top greyhound bookmakers.
Succeed claimed second, with Zipping Kai holding on for third, but neither could match the brilliance of Tim Zhu’s performance.
Sir John Dillon Memorial Race Replay – Tim Zoo (33.67)
The triumph marked a significant milestone for the Thompson kennel and the greyhound’s ownership group.
Speaking after the race, handler Holly Thompson reflected on Tim Zoo’s debut over the 595-metre distance and the unique bond she shares with the dog.
“This win means everything,” said Thompson. “I’ve always believed in his ability, and tonight he showed exactly what he’s capable of. Watching him dominate like that gave me goosebumps.”
Thompson also shared the touching story of how Tim Zoo became a family favourite, with ownership stakes passed down to her and her siblings’ children.
“He’s a special dog for all of us. My son, who’s just 16 months old, was at home watching with his pop, and this win is as much for him as it is for the rest of the family,” she added.
Tim Zoo’s success in the Sir John Dillon Memorial not only showcased his adaptability but also highlighted his growing dominance in the middle-distance ranks.
With 18 career wins from 42 starts and prize money nearing $500,000, he has consistently proven himself at elite levels.
While the future remains open for the talented son of Aussie Infrared and Double Supreme, his team is optimistic about his prospects over the middle distance.
“He handled the 600 beautifully tonight,” Thompson noted.
“Whether he stays at this distance or drops back to 500, we’ll do whatever’s best for him.”
With plenty of options on the cards for the Thompson team, the top betting sites currently have him in The Pheonix ($21), G1 Paul Wheeler Simply The Best ($21), G1 The Temlee ($21) and the G1 Australian Cup ($21).
Sir Joh Dillon Memorial 2024 Results – Sandown Park
2024 Sir John Dillon MemorialResultsSandown Park595mGroup 3$25,000 to-the-winnerSaturday, November 30 2024
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| 1st |
2 Tim Zoo
T: Jaosn Thompson
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| 2nd |
1 Succeed
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| 3rd |
5 Zipping Kai
T: Thomas Dailly
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| 4th |
4 Paw Yasmin
T: Mark Delbridge
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| 5th |
7 Werris Bale
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6th |
6 Hector Fawley
T: Lisa Cockerell
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| 7th |
9 Shake It Off
T: Robin Moore
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| 8th |
8 Paw Lou Lou
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