Astounding ZIPPING Willow is enjoying a short break ahead of what could be the next successful instalment of her sparkling career.
This year's Group 3 Evans and Son Jewellers Ladies Bracelet (520m) winner, who has won a remarkable 12 of her last 13 outings, recorded her latest triumph at Wentworth Park last Friday night.
ZIPPING Willow (pictured, pink rug) does not get a run at the Glebe track this weekend but she is being prepared for a crack at the forthcoming Black Top (515m) at Unibet Gardens, which gets under way with heats on Friday, August 22.
The Black Top is the first leg of the new Thank Dog It's Friday series, which was announced by Greyhound Racing NSW this week. As part of the series, seven provincial tracks will stage their feature race meeting heats and finals on a Friday night.
Having won four out six early on in her career at the Wallsend track and finished runner-up in the race last year, ZIPPING Willow would likely be a strong favourite this time around.
"She likes the track at The Gardens and has run some fast times up there," trainer Jason MACKAY said. "She knows her way around there.
"She's nice and fit at the moment as well, so I'm sure she will have a chance in the Black Top."
The formidable sprinter chalked up her 27th victory in 39 starts in the Pepsi Max Stakes (520m) at the Glebe track last Friday.
She trailed Magic Display at the second bend but produced a strong finish to see off a field also including the likes of Cawbourne Whip.
"She missed a kick but she got on the heels of one going through the first corner," MACKAY said.
"She had to come back inside the leader (to get the win).
"Usually she breaks them up with a strong first sectional, so it was a little different this time."
Last year's Group 3 Canberra Cup winner is also a possiblity for the forthcoming Group 1 Sportingbet Megastar at Dapto (520m).
MACKAY has lodged an expression of interest for a run in the $75,000-to-the-winner Megastar, which starts with heats on Friday, September 5.
Richmond Vale-based MACKAY is no stranger to good greyhounds but said he was certainly enjoying the ride with ZIPPING Willow.
"She makes getting out of bed early and going to bed late worthwhile," he said with a grin.
"You always hope one day you will have one like her in the kennel.
"She's right in her prime at the moment. Hopefully we can keep this run going until Christmas and see where we are then."
