Zammit Keeps Word, Rules Out Fanta Bale Bid

TRAINING legend Tony Zammit could not be convinced to carry on with the country's star stayer Valpolicella into next week's Group 1 Fanta Bale (730m) at The Meadows.

That is despite the daughter of Shima Shine-Saldana leading virtually throughout to win Saturday night's G1 Zoom Top (730m) also at The Meadows.

For Valpolicella it was the second Group 1 in succession having won the Garrards' Gold Cup at Albion Park on February 1.

Victory in the invitation Zoom Top brought up win 22 in 42 starts for Valpolicella and her earnings to $398,000.

Breeder and owner, Sandro Bechini, said today Melbourne Club officials had tried hard to tempt Zammit into reversing a decision to give the bitch a short break from racing and contest the Fanta Bale series.

Zammit flew out of Melbourne with Valpolicella on Sunday morning.

“Tony was pretty adamant he wanted to give her a short break,” said Sandro.

Zoom she went

Queensland stayer VALPOLICELLA proved too classy for her rivals in the G1 @sportsbetcomau #ZoomTop invitational at @MelbourneGreys

VALPOLICELLA made it two Group 1 wins in the space of nine days after taking out the Gold Cup at her previous start#GreyhoundRacing pic.twitter.com/jdUFQhSVyX

— WatchDog Racing (@WatchDogRacing) February 10, 2024

“But, he had made up his mind and we must respect that. I'm perfectly happy for that to happen.

“They are not machines and we must consider her welfare.”

Bechini said in discussion with Zammit after the Zoom Top win, Valpolicella would now target the up-coming The 715 at The Gardens at the end of April and early May.

“That will give him the opportunity to trial her a couple of times at The Gardens,” said Sandro.

Zammit had previously said he would target the G1 Association Cup at Wentworth Park during the Golden Easter Egg carnival.