Zipping Novak gives a galloping lesson in Goulburn Cup heats
Zipping Novak stopped the clock to take out his heat of the 2023 Group 3 Goulburn Cup in the quickest time on Friday afternoon.
Trained by Jason Magri, the chaser lined up in the last of the four 440m heats as the -142.86 race favourite and delivered for punters with an all the way effort.
With the inside draw, he shot out to the lead, and everything went his way from box to post, beating Scorching Boy by 6.0 lengths in 24.27.
2023 Group 3 Goulburn Cup Heat 4 – Zipping Novak (24.27) T: Jason Magri
The winning time was just a length outside of Wow's Goulburn track record, a blistering 24.18 set on July 2, 2021.
It was the second time at the track and trip for Zipping Novak, after having his first look there on July 21 where he finished third.
The son of Zulu Zeus and Zipping Meg has 19 wins and 14 placings from 45 starts and has earned $160,600 in prize money while continuing to showcase his ability in group company greyhound racing.
Last week, Zipping Novak was one leg of Wentworth Park back-to-back winning metro double for trainer Jason Magri.
In his third career start, in April 2022, he saluted in the Group 3 Magic Maiden Final at Wentworth Park.
He has gone on to finish third in the Group 2 Gosford Gold Cup Final and runner-up in the Group 2 Bulli Cup Final before taking out this year's Group 2 Richmond Derby Final.
When Zipping Novak lines up in the $25,000-to-the-winner race next week, he will face three Andy Lord-trained chances, with Nangar Larry (24.29), One Hot Bandit (24.62), and Coin Model all saluting in their heats.
2023 Group 3 Goulburn Cup Heat 1 – Nangar Larry (24.29) T: Andy Lord
2023 Group 3 Goulburn Cup Heat 2 – One Hot Bandit (24.62) T: Andy Lord
2023 Group 3 Goulburn Cup Heat 3 – Coin Model (24.69) T: Andy Lord
Runner-up placegetters Quantifiable, Canya Smurfette, Nangar Jim, and Scorching Boy, will join the four winners to round out the field in the Group 3 final.
Last year's Goulburn Cup was won by Mellcat Big Boy by 4.75 lengths in 24.32 for trainer John Mellon.