Zammit To Resist Winter Carnival Temptation

HALL of Fame trainer Tony Zammit will not be tempted into Winter Carnival feature races with Valpolicella despite the Shima Shine bitch's sensational 600m debut at Albion Park on Monday night.

Valpolicella (Shima Shine-Saldana) ran 34.56, the fifth fastest winning time over 600m at The Creek, when scoring by 12 and a half lengths in a 5th grade assignment.

Always in front, the $1.45 favourite downed My Genie and Farmor Alfa's.

Albion Park's fastest times over 600m:

34.43 Champagne Sally

34.51 Shorino

34.52 Jungle Deuce, Burnt Ends

34.55 Mullaway, Infrared Lad

34.56 Valpolicella

The time even surprised Zammit.

“She trialled for the first time over 600 metres a couple of weeks ago and went 34.94, but she ran a first section of 9.94,” said Tony.

“I thought she might go 34.80 last night, but to run that sort of time was a surprise.”

Zammit pointed out all of Valpolicella's sections on Monday night were quicker than in the trial.

She ran a first section of 9.82 and came home in 12.82.

“But, she is only young and I would not be tempted to take on the good dogs over the carnival,” said Zammit.

“I'll take her back next Monday night and then probably go to a 630 metre race or two at Ipswich.

“I want her to get more seasoned.

“Those good dogs who she would meet in Winter Carnival races are very seasoned.”

Valpolicella has always shown ability but little early pace.

She won a heat of the Vince Curry Maiden at Ipswich early in the year.

“But, she is not quick enough out to win 500s on a Thursday night,” said Tony.

“She had to go up to 600.

“And, she will probably get 700 metres in the future.”

Valpolicella's dam, Saldana (Heston Bale-All Fired Up), was a high class South Australian stayer winning the Bay Road Queen final at Angle Park.