Jay Is Jay confirms he is ready for assault on ‘The Egg’

By Pat McLeod

‘The King of Albion Park’, Jay Is Jay, proved he is ready to regain his mantle as the nation’s premier sprinter, returning to 'The Creek' on Thursday night with an all-class victory.

“That is what we wanted him to do,” Mick Zammit said.

Mick was happy but relieved after Jay Is Jay had cruised to the line in 29.63 seconds in a best eight race over 520 metres.

“We knew that he needed the run, but we also knew that he was good enough to be very competitive," Mick said. 

“There is certainly pressure when you have got a dog like this because you want him to perform and because you know how good he is.”

‘Mick’ (Jay Is Jay’s kennel name) pushed aside any concerns, returning to racing for the first time after being scratched from the Final of the Group 1 Gold Bullion on February 1 with a toe injury.

The pick of the very successful Sennachie and Kealoah litter jumped well from box six and had found the rail in front as they reached the first turn.

From there he remained in control, finding the line three-and-a-half lengths ahead of Greg Stella’s Magistrate, who never threw in the towel, with Michael Lalicz’s Seaton Key third.

Jay Is Jay’s win came almost to the day, 12 months ago that he reduced the track record for the 520 metres at Albion Park down to 29.35 seconds. 

In October last year he added to that credit by taking out the Million Dollar Chase at Wentworth Park, positioning him as the premier sprinter in the nation.

He was then set for Group 1 glory in the Gold Bullion, before injury struck.

This time around, the dog’s mentors, Mick and Selena Zammit, have targeted the prestigious Golden Easter Egg at Wentworth Park.

The heats are on March 30 before semis on April 6 and Final on April 13.

Joining ‘Mick’ on that campaign will be his litter brother and this week’s Bundaberg Cup winner, All Natural.

The Zammits are still to decide on the brotherhood’s final approach to ‘Wenty’.

“We just have to make a decision about if we are going to trial the dogs down at Wentworth Park before the series,’ Mick Zammit said.

“Jay is Jay doesn't need to, but we may take him as well.

“I am unsure if either dog will have a start here (Albion Park) before then.

“I don't mind racing Jay Is Jay because he goes better the more runs that he has. There is certainly a little bit more improvement in him, but the run certainly helps.          

“He has been jumping out of his skin. The injury was only a minor hiccup, but you do lose time and fitness when they are not in work.”

While rapt in Jay Is Jay’s return, Selena Zammit is reluctant to go into too much detail about her hopes for a dream result, a Golden Easter Egg win.

“That ticked all my boxes,” Selena said of Thursday night’s run.

“I am very happy with that. He doesn't appear to have any problems with his toe.

“I don't want to jinx the Egg and talk about it. The heats are still a couple of weeks away. It was just so pleasing to see the dog perform as he did.”

Away from the Jay Is Jay fanfare, three other trainers had reason to celebrate after Thursday night’s racing at 'The Creek', with Jamie Hosking, Cyndie Elson and Tom Tzouvelis all recording multiple wins.

Hosking scored with Down Size, Samurai Mind and Slippery Witch.

Hosking heads to Bundaberg on Monday with Samurai Mind and Oh Minnie, who will both contest a QGOLD Final there over 531 metres. 

Elson also saluted three times – Cyndie’s Cyndie (race four) in a blistering 29.58 seconds taking out a fourth grade 520 metre event and with Obliging Warren and Special Cyndie.

And, Tom Tzouvelis claimed a double on Thursday night with Tsu’tey in the opening race and Amendola in race five, a free for all 710 metre race.