Are we witnessing the all-time greatest?
SHE'S got a fair way to go, but given the projected path is she on, can Keayang Zahara become the greatest trotter ever produced in the southern hemisphere?
In just one season Keayang Zahara has achieved more than 95 per cent of squaregaiters do throughout their career, with her debut season netting seven Group One victories in the space of eight months.
Dominating her opposition on both sides of the Tasman, the Marg Lee-trained filly captured the New South Wales, Victoria and New Zealand Trotters' Derbys and Oaks, Vicbred Super Series and Need For Speed Princess Finals and the $500,000 The Ascent for a bankroll of $664,330.
Sent for a well-earned spell following her Derby triumph in Addington in December, Keayang Zahara returned with a win against hardened open class opposition in Melton last Saturday night.
Not only was she first-up for five months, Keayang Zahara oustayed her rivals after racing in the 'death seat'.
That success stretched Keayang Zahara's undefeated record to 15, which places the daughter of Volstead among elite company.
San Simeon holds the southern hemisphere record at 29 consecutive wins, which he set in 1981, with a host of pacers boasting 15 or more victories in succession.
Widely-regarded as Australasia's greatest pacer, Popular Alm's longest winning streak was 15.
As for trotters, only five have more than 15 straight wins and they're all champions!
Maori's Idol equalled the Australian record with 24 wins in 1978, while Lyell Creek reached 20, Take A Moment and I Can Doosit won 18 consecutive races, with Court Jester managing 16.
One point of pride for San Simeon's trainer Lou Austin, is his former star established the record from debut, with Keayang Zahara following suit.
On Saturday night Keayang Zahara will aim to equal Court Jester when she tackles the Group One MacArthur Mile at Club Menangle.
To be driven by Glen Craven, the four-year-old has drawn to search for the front from barrier four.
In what shapes as a tough assignment, Keayang Zahara's foes include defending champion and eight-time Group One winner, Im Ready Jet, along with classy mare Susan Is Her Name and top flight Queenslander, Golden Sunset.
