Valpolicella runs 5th quickest 600m winning time in history at middle distance debut
Queensland greyhound Hall of Fame inductee, trainer Tony Zammit, has made it clear that despite the stunning debut of his greyhound Valpolicella in a 600m race at Albion Park, he has no intention of entering her in the upcoming Winter Carnival.
The daughter of Shima Shine and Saldana, bred and owned by New South Wales participant Sandro Bechini, made a splash during her inaugural 600m event, a noteworthy performance that left a lasting impression on the greyhound racing scene.
At Albion Park on Monday night race, Valpolicella, posted a formidable time of 34.56 seconds, marking the fifth fastest winning time ever recorded over 600m at The Creek.
Exhibiting unwavering dominance, the young greyhound, a solid favourite at -222.22 favourite with greyhound bookmakers, outpaced rivals My Genie and Farmor Alfa, establishing a decisive lead of 12.5 lengths in the 5th grade event.
Albion Park 5th Grade 600m – Valpolicella (34.56) T: Tony Zammit
The five fastest record times at Albion Park for the 600m distance are as follows:
- Champagne Sally: 34.43
- Shorino: 34.51
- Jungle Deuce and Burnt Ends: 34.52
- Mullaway and Infrared Lad: 34.55
- Valpolicella: 34.56
Zammit expressed his surprise at Valpolicella's time, as her initial trial over 600 metres had produced a time of 34.94 seconds with a first section of 9.94.
He had expected her to clock around 34.80 seconds in the actual race.
Valpolicella, however, exceeded these expectations, with all sections of her run on Monday night surpassing her trial performance.
The young greyhound recorded a first section of 9.82 and completed the race with a 12.82 section.
Despite her promising performance, Zammit remains cautious.
He emphasised Valpolicella's youth and expressed his reluctance to pit her against seasoned dogs in the Winter Carnival races.
His plan for Valpolicella involves a return to the track next Monday night, possibly followed by a couple of races over 630 metres at Ipswich.
Zammit's strategy is to allow Valpolicella to gain more experience and become a more seasoned racer.
Since her early days, Valpolicella has demonstrated considerable potential, albeit with a modest early pace.
Her victories include a heat win in the Vince Curry Maiden at Ipswich earlier this year.
However, according to Zammit, she lacks the necessary speed to triumph in 500m races on Thursday nights, leading to the decision to shift her to the 600m distance.
Looking ahead, Zammit foresees Valpolicella potentially running races of up to 700 metres.
Valpolicella's lineage is also noteworthy.
Her dam, Saldana (by Heston Bale out of All Fired Up), was a distinguished South Australian stayer, with the Bay Road Queen final at Angle Park among her victories.
Valpolicella has now had 13 starts for six wins and five placings, earning connections $27,285 in the process.