By David Lewis
FOR the Lara training team of Deb Coleman and Rob Camilleri it was a case of third time lucky in the Group Listed Commercial Hotel Mount Gambier Cup after Zipping Zarbo was successful at Tara Raceway last Sunday.
Two years ago their odds-on favourite in the 512-metre cup, Slingshot Hammer, was a desperately close second.
Then, last year’s winner, Sunset Milo, was transferred from their Lara kennels just prior to the cup to Adelaide owner Tim Aloisi in order to overcome border restrictions.
After an impressive heat win, Zipping Zarbo lined up from box one as a $1.90 favourite.
She led all the way to defeat a determined Renewed, trained at Two Wells by Bec Romyn, by a length in 29.56 seconds.
A further length back in third spot was Fabriola Zad who turned in a big run for Portland trainer Nifty Lenehan who was looking to emulate his father Brian, the cup-winning trainer in 1993 of Immortal Flash.
Bred and raced by the Hallinan family of Clergate in NSW, Zipping Zarbo was handled with aplomb by 24-year-old Ricky Coleman who did his mother and step-father proud.
He was full of praise for the three-year-old red fawn daughter of El Grand Senor and Zipping Abby.
“She’s been with us since pre-training and has always tried her heart out,” he said.
“Winning the cup was certainly a big thrill and we’re now looking to race here in Mount Gambier on a more regular basis.”
Zipping Zarbo has now raced on 50 occasions for 24 wins, 14 minor placings and $94,000 in stakemoney.
