Oh Mickey Fast Reaching ‘Champion' Status

WHEN owner Clint Kratzmann rang Mick and Selena Zammit late last year with the offer to train a young Fernando Bale dog, the kennel was full and the knock back disappointing.

The Zammits had trained the young dog's dam Iona Champion for a wonderful race career that saw her win 15 races and $47,000.

Clint kept the dog, which he named Oh Mickey. There is conjecture among some of Mick Zammit's mates that the dog was named after the refusal.

Oh Mickey won the Group 1 National Derby and Group 2 Richmond Derby.

When Clint came knocking at the Zammit door needing a trainer for Oh Mickey due to his son's health problem, the broom was out and a sweep of the Zammit kennel soon made room.

“He's a rocket,” said Mick Zammit on Friday after Oh Mickey had taken out the Young Guns Final (520m) at Albion Park for his 13th win in just 18 starts taking his stakes to $178,000.

He downed hot youngster Hara's Clyde by nine lengths in 29.59.

“A bit of first turn interference flattered his winning margin,” said Mick Zammit.

“But the dog is as fast as our kennel has ever had. I have no doubt he can get as low as 29.40 around Albion Park.”

The Zammits now press on to the Group 1 Brisbane Cup series over 520m early in June with Oh Mickey pleased Kratzmann gave them a “second chance” to train the sensational youngster, the dog just 26 months old.

The Zammits are likely to have a second string at least for the Brisbane Cup series with Aston Lee (Brett Lee-Aston Miley) who made his Albion Park debut on Thursday night a winning one in 29.98.

“He is a young dog going places,” said Mick.

“But, I think he will improve on that run because he probably need the race and the experience on the track.”

Aston Lee held on gamely to win by two lengths from the fast closing and luckless Tevita Shadow.

He has already won in a scorching 29.17 around The Gardens for Jason Mackay.

“He had only arrive a little more than a week before last night's race and has only just settled in at home,” said Zammit.

“We will press on with him for the carnival races coming.”

Aston Lee has raced 15 times for seven wins and posted a near record 29.17 at Ladbrokes Gardens for Jason Mackay.