ZIPPING Willow has hit the heights in the past but her journey to more success starts again at Richmond on Wednesday.
The 2013 Canberra Cup and 2014 Ladies Bracelet Final winner starts from box one in the Angostura LLB Stakes (400m) after recovering from several injury concerns.
It will be the first outing in more than two weeks for ZIPPING Willow, with her last race an agonising second place at the same track in the Unibet Richmond Oaks over 535m.
Although it may be a low key return to racing for ZIPPING Willow (pictured, pink rug) given her previous triumphs, her trainer Jason MACKAY is just glad to see her back on the track.
“She pulled up a bit worse for wear from the Oaks,” he said.
“She had a few injuries – bruising in her toes, a sore bicep and a shoulder ligament problem.
“We’ve got to start on her again now and see how she goes.
“She’s been working nicely at home and her work ethic here (on the paddock) has been good.
“I think she will be a class above them (here) and it should be a handy run for her.”
ZIPPING Willow has been a standout performer for the Richmond Vale trainer, with 19 wins from 31 outings.
She almost added another notable title to her name last month, losing out in the Oaks by a head to Smashing Sally.
MACKAY has no concrete plans for the dog’s immediate future after Wednesday’s run but hopes she can contend for more honours shortly.
“I think she’s got a year left at the top level”,” he said.
“If we can keep the injuries away and get a bit of luck in these big races, I think she has a chance to win a few more.”
MACKAY is also hopeful of success with his other entrant on the day, ZIPPING Tarn.
The promising dog goes from box one in the day’s eighth race, the Bess Electrical Stakes (535m), fresh for a triumph over 535m at Unibet Gardens last Friday night.
“I think she goes all right,” MACKAY said.
“I don’t think she’ll reach ZIPPING Willow’s standard at this stage but I think she’ll be decent over the longer distance.”
The box one dog faces a decent field including Billy Bowlegs, who starts just outside her.
Also on the card is the Australian Colour TV Stakes (618m), which features the highly impressive Space Star. Read more here.
Ten races are on the card and action starts at 3.32pm.
For full fields and form, click here.
