Some serious horsepower is coming to the new $500,000 slot races at Addington Raceway on Show Day, Friday November 15.
The first three horses to compete in the two brand new races have been announced, with boom Australian trotter Keayang Zahara (pictured above) and top Kiwi Empire City confirmed for THE ASCENT and Cold Chisel in THE VELOCITY
The multiple Group 1-winning filly Keayang Zahara has been secured by the high profile pairing of Ken Breckon and Richard Cole. Breckon Farms is an industry leader and a breeding powerhouse while Richard Cole is the Managing Director of global equine freight company IRT.
Unbeaten in six starts, Keayang Zahara has been a revelation since her debut at Maryborough in April.
Her win in the Classic Connection Vicbred Super Series at Melton last start (Mile rate 1:56.8) was a demolition job and had observers hailing her as an “absolute star”.
Included in her six wins have been three Group 1s.
Bred by the Lee family in Victoria, and owned by the Levarg Racing Group, Keayang Zahara (Volstead – Keayang Yankee) is trained by Margaret Lee and driven by son Jason.
The family has a big dairy farm at Terang, two and a half hours south west of Melbourne. The Lees have had many top horses over the years including Chariots of Fire winner Jilliby Kung Fu.
Two fillies have now been confirmed for THE ASCENT with Empire City predictably taking up the slot purchased by her owners/breeders Peter And Janet Argus.
Trained by Phil Williamson at Oamaru, Empire City is this country’s top filly with eight wins so far, including a victory fresh up at Addington Raceway last week.
Their confirmation coincides with Cold Chisel being announced for the pacers’ slot race, THE VELOCITY.
Trained by the top northern stable of Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan, Cold Chisel’s place has been secured by his owner and Entain boss Dean Shannon under his Montana Park banner.
An age group star he’s won six from 16 starts.
THE ASCENT and THE VELOCITY are two of the features at this year’s new look Show Day Twilight races with the 20 slots, costing $30,000 each, selling out quickly.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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