Another record awaits freakish mare

IT’S now a matter of when, not if, Keayang Zahara will equal the Australasian record for the most Group One wins by a trotter.

Capturing her 14th top shelf event in Melton just moments ago, Keayang Zahara is only one victory away from the mark held by the immortal Lyell Creek.

Affectionately-known as ‘Creek the freak’, Lyell Creek was a class above his rivals during the early 2000s, securing an amazing 15 Group Ones on his way to earning a record $2,256,724.

Already the southern hemisphere’s richest trotting mare with a bankroll of $1,198,635, Keayang Zahara holds the Australian stance for the most Group Ones by a squaregaiter.

While no set plans have been confirmed by co-trainers Marg and Paddy Lee, Keayang Zahara’s bid to equal the record could be via the only track in which she has experienced defeat – Club Menangle.

The world class venue is scheduled to host the Group One Hammerhead Mile on March 14.

Boasting 26 wins and a second from 27 starts, Keayang Zahara’s sole defeat was in last season’s MacArthur Mile at Club Menangle.

Success in the $125,000 feature would then place Keayang Zahara on target to break the record in the Group One Sumthingaboutmaori Trotting Mares’ Free-For-All in Melton on ANZAC Day.

The MacArthur Mile on May 2 and the Inter Dominion Final at Albion Park on July 18 are the only other remaining Group Ones in Australia this year.

As for her latest performances, Keayang Zahara was beaten for early speed from the pole by her stablemate Jilliby Dreamlover, which crossed to the lead from barrier three.

Angled away from the pegs turning for home, Keayang Zahara quickly dashed to the front before completing an 11-metre win from Lovemeto, which was gallant after racing in the ‘death seat’.

Remus Phoenix, a Chris Svanosio-trained stablemate of the runner-up, was five metres away third.

“We haven’t made any plans past tonight,” Marg said. “We’re just enjoying the moment.

“We’ll see how she is during the next few days and work out where we go next.”