Loading Zone Sets Tongues Wagging

WHILE all eyes will be on the three TAB State of Origin events at Albion Park this Thursday night, the appearance in Brisbane of former Victorian-trained sprinter Loading Zone, now prepared in NSW by Jason Mackay, is sure to create plenty of interest also.

Loading Zone, a recent acquisition to Mackay's Richmond Vale kennels, set tongues wagging at Albion Park on Sunday with an electrifying 22.42 trial performance over the 395m.

Somewhat remarkably, the son of Dyna Double One and Tatty Fields went a length quicker than kennelmate Zipping Bailey (22.49) – the Golden Easter Egg winner favourite for Thursday's TAB Origin Sprint (520m).

"He's got a huge motor – I've given him two trials since I got him and they've been outstanding," said trainer Jason Mackay of Loading Zone, set to tackle race three on Thursday night from box three.

Winner at six of his 12 Victorian starts for Jason and Seona Thompson, Loading Zone and his equally exciting litter-brother Street Outlaw, also with Mackay, are owned by Darren and Michael Puleio, owners of freakishly talented Group 1 winning litter-brothers Poke The Bear and Out Of Range.

"I told Jason the dog had gears when he got him but I don't think he thought he had that many," grinned owner Darren Puleio.

"He was meant to be going to Albion Park for a quiet trial – it's been anything but that."

With some exciting pups on the way, Puleio this week said goodbye to his two-time Group 1 winning galloper Out Of Range, the son of Fernando Bale and Misty Fields heading to Ireland to continue his stud career.

"It was nice to get the photo on the weekend with the two brothers together with all their trophies," said a proud Puleio.

"Poke The Bear's injury is healing really well and he looks an absolute picture.

“With Out Of Range, I've still got some straws left, I'm really confident he'll throw some nice pups.

"I actually bought a couple myself out of his first litter, they look fantastic."

Incredibly, Puleio's Fernando Bale x Misty Fields litter of eight, whelped in December 2015, have won 137 races and $1.1 million in prizemoney.