Bethany Dapiran has had the best possible racing mentor but it may be her turn to shine in this Saturday’s Group 3 Bohemia Crystal Sydney Cup (720m) at Wentworth Park.
The Victorian trainer has Zipping Rory starting from box four in the $25,000-to-winner final after his impressive win in last Saturday night’s semi-finals.
Dapiran is the daughter of long-standing successful trainer Peter Dapiran, who has recent Group 3 Chairman’s Cup winner Zipping Maggie starting the final from box five.
The 23-year-old, who also works out of the family's property in Northwood, believes she has a chance of claiming family bragging rights.
“I’ll probably give Dad some stick if I win – but it will all be in good spirit,” she said with a smile. “There’s not much rivalry on the team but I want mine to win.
“If Dad gets the win then it’s one for the kennels and I’ll be happy for him.”
Zipping Rory earned a 10th win in 30 starts with victory in the semi-final.
He produced a solid 41.75 run to see off a small but quality-filled field including fellow finalists Sweet It Is (pictured) and Dusty Moonshine.
Rough Cut Diamond, who won the other semi-finalist, is a pre-final $2.80 shot with TAB Fixed Odds after his 41.90 win in the other semi-final.
Watch Rough Cut Diamond’s semi-final win here.
Dapiran senior took handling duties for Zipping Rory, leaving his proud daughter to watch the race back home.
“I was screaming at the TV,” she said.
“He has not been starting his races well, so when he jumped to the front (in the semi-final) I was delighted.
“Zipping Maggie is on his outside (for the final) and if he doesn’t start well, he will get a nasty surprise when she bolts past him.
“Sweet It Is is always a threat and Rough Cut Diamond has been going well recently, so it will be tough.
“There’s some good greyhounds in the race but if he comes out well, we have a chance.”
Whatever the result, Dapiran said she was delighted to be continuing the family tradition in the sport.
“I’m a third generation trainer so it’s good to keep it in the family,” she said.
“Dad has been a massive help for me and taught me everything. I’m learning a lot through him.
“It’s a 24/7 job and quite hard work, but it’s really satisfying when you get a winner as well.”
For Wentworth Park Saturday fields, form and expert tips, click here.
Group 3 Bohemia Crystal Sydney Cup box draw (TAB Fixed Odds price in brackets): 1. Mr Corsair ($16); 2. Rough Cut Diamond ($2.80); 3. My Asuncion ($51); 4. Zipping Rory ($7); 5. Zipping Maggie ($7) 6. Sweet It Is ($2.50); 7. Paddles Anderson ($31); 8. Dusty Moonshine ($7). Reserves: Space Star, Tears Siam.
