Zammit brand stamped across Melbourne feature races

By Pat McLeod

Saturday night’s Group 1 Topgun sprint and distance showdowns may carry a distinct ‘Zammit’ brand.

But, family patriarch Tony Zammit is more enthused by the excitement of others around the Melbourne double-header.

“I do get so excited by these races,” Tony says.

He is speaking ahead of the two features at The Meadows, where he will campaign Valpolicella in the Topgun Stayers over 730 metres and brother Michael and wife Selena have Jay Is Jay in the Topgun Sprinters Final over 525 metres.

“Anytime you get into a feature with a good dog it is very exciting," Tony said. 

“But, I get more excited for the owners. Like Sandro Bechini (the Western Sydney-based accountant who owns Valpolicella).

“He and his wife are driving down and are really excited.

“I have been in a lot of races, but for many of the people involved with the dogs on nights like this, this is their first time. I get excited at being able to help them be a part of something thrilling. It really is the chance of a lifetime.”

Also prominent in the Hall of Famer’s thoughts about Saturday night is the Zammit legacy.

Tony is extremely mindful of the family history already in the sport and the significance of the Zammit name featuring in both Finals.

“It is special to see our name across both these races,” Tony said.

“I am rapt that Michael and Selena were selected for the sprint. Our name has been prominent in Queensland racing since Dad (Sam Zammit) won the first trotting race when Albion Park opened (in 1968).

“He started the name off in the trotting industry before I got involved in greyhounds and then Michael followed me.

“Dad always took a great interest in what we were doing in the greyhound industry. Mum (Aileen) and Dad came to as many meetings as they could. Mum is still really interested and has Sky Channel tuned in all the time now to watch.”

The Yatala-based Tony will fly to Melbourne on Saturday.

Michael drove down last Saturday with Jay Is Jay and promising young stayer Icy Eyes, who will race at Sandown Park on Thursday night over 715 metres. 

They will be staying at a family friend’s place in Melbourne.

Tony sent Valpolicella down by plane on Sunday to join that group after she finished fourth in the Past Members Trophy over 630 metres on last Thursday night’s Ipswich Cup program.

Both Jay Is Jay and Valpolicella trialled at The Meadows on Monday, their first look at the track and are in peak condition for Saturday night.

Tony gives his stayer a good chance out of box one on Saturday night, while Michael is less confident of Jay Is Jay’s chances in the sprint, from box eight.

“The one box does give her a good chance,” Tony said of Valpolicella.

“She is in the one and if she jumps alright, although she hasn’t got that early acceleration, she won't be too far from the lead going around the first corner.

“She is the type of dog where her best work is in the last stages of the race. I think she's good enough. I believe she can match it with them if she is close enough. It's all new for Valpolicella, going to a new track. The only disappointment is not getting the chance to trial her over the full 730 metre distance.

“But, I didn't want to trial her over the full distance after she had raced in the Ipswich Final.

“Although she only ran fourth in that Final, she got checked right back to last. Where she was from 200 metres from home, the amount of ground that she made up to run fourth was enormous for a 630 metre race. In this race you are looking at an extra 100 metres.”

Tony sees the biggest threats coming from Palawa King (trained by Jack Smith) and Zipping Vanessa (Minnie Finn).

Meanwhile, brother Michael has concerns around Jay Is Jay’s start and the wide alley.

“I would prefer him to be in an inside box, but that is not the end of the world,” Michael said.

“On a positive note, the only time he has had the eight on the circle was when he won the (Group 2) Queensland Derby.

“Regardless of what box he has he will need to come out a little bit better than he has been.

“I don't feel overconfident coming into this race purely because the dog isn't starting well. He will need to come out better. He will make his own luck or lose it depending on what he does early.

“In his trial it appears he may have come out on the wrong leg. However, a look at the track will certainly help.”

Tony said he was also pleased to see Queensland colours flying in both races.

“When Jay Is Jay won the Million Dollar Chase (at Sydney’s Wentworth Park) there were so many people in the grandstand cheering on the Queenslander,” Tony said.

“Hopefully there will be some of that support in Melbourne.”