Glamour Girls Lead Mackay's Black Top Quest

JASON Mackay's quest for a fourth Black Top title gets underway this Friday night when talented bitches Zipping Veyron and Aston Maeve make their much anticipated return to racing in the group 2 feature.

Well versed in what it takes to win the $40,000 to-the-winner showpiece, Mackay has claimed the Hunter Valley flagship previously with Snozz (2010), Mister Twister (2017) and last year with Aston Duke.

And while there is a galaxy of stars converging on Ladbrokes Gardens this Friday night for six tantalizing heats, Mackay is confident that his prized bitches are right in the mix for their respective qualifiers.

"Aston Maeve looks to have struck a winnable heat but gee Zipping Veyron has run into some hot ones," Mackay said.

"The best thing they both have going for them is that they love The Gardens and are nice and fresh for Friday night. I'm happy with both of them but they'll need things to go their way."

National Futurity winner Zipping Veyron takes her place in heat four from box eight, the daughter of Black Magic Opal's first start since June.

"She's come back from her break good – off her post to post Tuesday I'd say she's ready to run 29.40 odd," Mackay offered.

"Before I turned her out you could just tell she needed the break. Her form went off but even at home she wasn't the same. But she's back to her old self now – I'm really happy with her."

TAB has installed Zipping Veyron a $3.70 chance for Friday night's clash.

Heading the market is $3 favourite Flying Ricciardo (box 7) just in front of $3.20 chance Ebby Jet Power (box 3).

Making for an absorbing clash, Million Dollar Chase hero Good Odds Harada is quoted a $4 chance from box six.

"I'd say my best hope is if the black (Flying Ricciardo) carves across and we get a cart down the outside," Mackay added.

"I was a bit worried she was underdone but being her first 500 back might work her way. She'll need to lead to win and being fresh like she is gives her a chance. But it's a proper race."

Mackay is far more bullish about the prospects of Aston Maeve in heat six despite drawing box five.

Back in May, the regally bred daughter of Brett Lee turned in an astonishing performance to win at Ladbrokes Gardens in 29.42, defeating Fire On Ice, the $8 pre-post Black Top favourite.

"Her trials around home have been sensational," Mackay said.

"She's just not handling the bright lights and travel of heading to Wentworth Park at the moment. She's been firing up too much and running her race before we get here. Racing near home in this environment is much better for her.

"Box five isn't ideal but looking at the field I'd be surprised if she doesn't lead."

TAB have installed Aston Maeve the $4 second favourite behind Zipping Sultan which is $2.15 from box three for Jason Magri.

Also in the mix in betting is All Star Punk (box 2) for Jim Coyle at $3.7.

Each of Friday night's six heat winners will progress through to Friday week's final along with the two fastest seconds.