Sky's The Limit For Sydney Cup Favourite

MINNIE Finn reckons a delay in racing has worked wonders for Friday night's Group 2 Sydney Cup (720m) favourite Zipping Vanessa.

The daughter of Feral Franky and Shoshe was sensational when leading throughout to win her heat last Friday night at Wentworth Park in a slick 41.54 beating My Catalina.

It was her third start over a distance and second win.

FIELDS AND FORM WENTWORTH PARK FRIDAY NIGHT

“When we first got her as a youngster she came up with a hock injury which put her on the sidelines for a while,” said Minnie, whose husband John trains for breeder-owner Martin Hallinan.

“Then we got her ready for the $25,000 to the winner maiden series at The Gardens and thought she was a good thing, but she fell at the first turn in her heat.”

But, patience is a virtue especially in racing and Zipping Vanessa bounced back.

Demolition job! Zipping Vanessa has run a PB 41.54 to win Sydney Cup Heat 2 at @wentyparkgreys tonight!

My Catalina, Valpolicella and Cawbourne Magic will join her in the Final next week!

Full Results: https://t.co/u3m5axxRxi…#thedogs #MDC pic.twitter.com/yXWBKOeopa

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) October 6, 2023

“When she was young she was producing run home times that were unbelievable,” said Minnie.

Now she comes into the Sydney Cup final, worth $100,000 to the winner, as the favourite after last week's heat win.

The big difference is that she drew the rails in her heat and has the seven on Friday night in the final.

“She pulled up really good after the heat,” said Minnie.

“No, the seven is not ideal for her but if she shows the early pace she did last week then we think she can lead them.

“But, she can also be a bit hit and miss at the start.”

Minnie rates the red runner, Zoha Bale, the hardest to beat.

“He is drawn nicely and came off three sharp wins in Victoria before running third in his heat last week (behind Ritza Piper),” said Minnie.

Zipping Vanessa will be seeking to be the third bitch in succession to win the Sydney Cup following class acts Miss Ezmae and Super Estrella in the past two runnings.

Immediate plans for Zipping Vanessa could centre on a trip to Victoria for upcoming feature staying races.

“She is a true stayer but only young and just needs a bit more experience to become a star,” said Minnie.

Zipping Vanessa has raced 23 times for 12 wins and six placings for earnings of $80,000.