Valpolicella To Miss Fanta Bale After Zoom Top

QUEENSLAND staying star Valpolicella will miss the upcoming Group 1 Fanta Bale series at The Meadows on February 17 and 24.

The daughter of Shima Shine and Saldana will run in Saturday night's Group 1 Zoom Top (730m) at The Meadows.

But trainer Tony Zammit confirmed today he believes the bitch needs a short break from racing after the Zoom Top.

Valpolicella was devastating winning the G1 Garrards Gold Cup (710m) at Albion Park last Thursday night to take her record to 41 starts for 21 wins and 14 placings and earnings of $323,000.

“I was going to give her a break after the Gold Cup at Albion Park,” said Zammit.

“But, we couldn't say no to the MGRA when we received an invitation to the Zoom Top.

"IT'S SWEET VALPOLICELLA!"

Gee, she was in a world of trouble in running, but her class shined through when it mattered most!

The stayer claims her first Group 1 title on home soil for veteran trainer Tony Zammit in the @GarrardsHnH Gold Cup ???? @BrisGreys pic.twitter.com/8WOQHpoA4b

— RaceQ (@RaceQLD) February 1, 2024

“However, she will need a short break from racing soon. You don't want to burn them out, especially stayers.

“She's been doing a lot of travelling for the past six months and even though she has handled it well, I want to ease off her slightly.”

Zammit said he would keep Valpolicella in straight work but not race her for the few weeks after the Zoom Top.

“She will more than likely be set for the Association Cup (at Wentworth Park on April 6 and 13),” said Zammit.

“She goes very well at Wentworth Park.”

Zammit admits he loves training stayers and he is enjoying the challenge of Valpolicella's racing career for breeder-owner Sandro Bechini.

But, he was reluctant to rate her up with his former champion Trojan Tears.

“Two different sorts of stayers, one a front runner, the other a come-from-behind stayer,” he said.

“And, remember, Trojan Tears was greyhound of the year in both Queensland and New South Wales. That was some feat.”