Tara Raceway first-timers Zambora Jay and Sugar Freak set the standard for the Tony and Lisa Rasmussen-sponsored Razza Racing Feature Maiden (305 metres) on Sunday afternoon.
Having his fifth start overall and his first for Koroit trainer Peter Byrne, Zambora Jay led all the way from box five in the first heat to defeat Striking Holly and Lektra Asha – also through to the final – in 17.69 seconds.
Raced by Leppington owner Charlie Azzopardi, the red fawn dog is by Orson Allen out of Crazy Jo Jo, a half-sister to his former top performer Zambora Brockie who less than an hour later sired the new 305 metre track record holder in Lektra Gal.
The Michael Niele trained first-starter Striking Holly, another daughter of Zambora Brockie out of Crymelon Holly, did the chasing. And despite making a real mess of the home turn, she worked home well for owners Brendan Casey and Michael Robinson.
Striking Holly is the dog that, as a pup, defied the odds when bitten by a tiger snake.
Mortlake trainer Peter Franklin, who’s last Tara Raceway win was with Montaya almost 12 months ago, finally broke through with Sugar Freak at start number 13.
And the daughter of Barcia Bale and Ah Sugar Sugar did the job pretty well when leading all the way to defeat Jean Crisp and Lektra Sammy in 17.57 seconds.
Sugar Freak is raced by the Wannabees Syndicate, made up of three miners currently working in WA. The syndicate is managed by Paul Stephens of Broken Hill where Ah Sugar Sugar was bred by the local greyhound racing club president Regan Edgecumbe.
Franklin, who also pre-trained Sugar Freak prior to her being broken-in at Camperdown by Peter Inguanti, said the March 20 whelping had always done everything right.
“I was keen to get her to Mount Gambier and race over the 305 metre journey which I always thought would work in her favour. It was certainly nice for the boys to finally have a win with her.”
Franklin is probably best remembered at Tara Raceway as the trainer of Mojito Mayhem, a multiple cups winner and former 512 metre track record holder.
“He turns nine next month and now spends his time on the couch with Montaya close by.”