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Zabaleta should continue Sam Dart's recent successful run by scoring another victory at tonight’s Ladbrokes Park Lismore meeting.
The solid greyhound jumps from box five in race four (420m) aiming to improve her career record of nine wins and five minor placings from 17 starts.
Dart trained star stayer Dzeko to two recent notable wins at Albion Park, while another from his kennel, Ibra Cadabra, went close to the track record while winning at the same venue last Sunday.
Sam’s father John said Zabaleta, who has won her two previous starts from box five and has eight Albion Park wins to her name, could win again here.
“She’s so consistent,” he said.
“She was unlucky on her last start at Grafton – she couldn’t cross over – but she’s usually a good beginner.
“Most of her wins at Albion Park have been from boxes four, five or six as well. She just seems to come out well every time.
“This may not look a great box but she can still win.”
The daughter of Magic Sprite and 14-race winner Sacheen’s Wish enjoys her visits to Lismore, running a super 24.20 over the 420m here in March.
Click here to watch Zabaleta's win at Albion Park last month.
She has been a handy performer for the younger Dart, who combines training with his work as a gardener and tree lopper.
The 24-year-old recently trained super stayer Dzeko to a pair of notable Albion Park victories – the Group 1 Gold Cup and Superstayers Invitational.
Dzeko has now returned to Angela Jackson’s Victorian kennels but the family should score another win here.
Like Dzeko, Zabaleta was named after a Manchester City soccer player – Argentinian defender Pablo Zabaleta.
She was christened by Sam’s soccer-mad brother Tim, a City supporter who is currently living in England.
“He’s not turned us into City fans,” Dart senior said with a grin. “We’re still more into our Australian Football.
“Sam's only got into greyhounds over the last two or three years. Tim was the one more interested in greyhounds when they were growing up.
“Sam was more into his fast cars – this has quietened him down a bit.
“It’s great to see him achieving wins and enjoying himself. We hope it continues.”
Elsewhere, flying Sailaway (box five) looks a great chance to claim another win in race three.
Gary Gardner’s veteran greyhound has three wins and three minor placings from his six previous starts.
He has a poor record from the squeeze box but has run well over the 420m here in recent months.
Box seven hopeful Crankshaft disappointed last start but has ability and should win race seven.
Consistent Ilika (box seven) can claim her eighth win in 17 starts in race eight.
For Lismore Tuesday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
