Keayang Zahara winning the 2026 Hammerhead Mile
AUSTRALIAN trotting “Queen” Keayang Zahara has settled well in NZ ahead of another big challenge.
Co-trainer Paddy Lee said he couldn’t fault Keayang Zahara and star stablemate Jilliby Ballerini since they left Melbourne and arrived in Auckland on Saturday ahead of the $NZ530,000 TAB Trot at Cambridge on Friday.
“I’m really happy with both. I can’t fault them,” he said. “So far, so good.”
Like everyone, Lee was very impressed with the win of Queensland star Gus at Cambridge last Thursday.
“Gee he went good, didn’t he,” he said. “I especially liked how strongly he hit the line.
“We’ve only raced him once in the Hammerhead (Mile) last time and it was mathematically impossible for him the way the race was run.
“It’ a different story this time, over a longer trip”
Keayang Zahara led in the Hammerhead, while Gus came from last with a big move midrace, but tired late to run fourth.
“We’ve got a lot of respect for Gus and expect a much harder contest this time.”
Despite how impressive Gus was last week, he is still a $12 shot with Keayang Zahara $1.08 favourite and Jilliby Ballerini in between them at $10.
Pending barriers, the most likely scenario is the explosive beginner Jilliby Ballerini leading and taking a trail on Keayang Zahara.
Gus’ co-trainer and driver Pete McMullen is wary of that.
“We’re back in the draw and he can get off the gate well. I’m hoping we can settle in front of a few rather than last, like Menangle,” he said.
“A lot will depend on how hard Keayang Zahara has to work to get the front. I’d like to drive him (Gus) with one run, but if the mare leads easily, I may have to make an early move.”
PHOTO: Club Menangle/Pacepix
