New Zealand trip unlikely with freakish trotter

DESPITE her dominating success in Melton just moments ago, freakish trotter Keayang Zahara is unlikely to head back to New Zealand.

No stranger to glory on the Shake Isles, Keayang Zahara was undefeated from three starts last season, with her victories including the $500,000 slot race The Ascent, New Zealand Trotters' Oaks and Derby.

Connections have contemplated crossing the Tasman once again with the daughter of Volstead for next month's Dominion Handicap, however, driver Jason Lee has all but ruled out the trip.

Keayang Zahara is co-trained by Lee's mother Marg and brother, Paddy.

The Lees, however, may still contest the $400,000 handicap with the highly-improved Jilliby Ballerini, which was runner-up behind her stablemate in tonight's Aldebaran Park Bill Collins Sprint.

"The Dominion isn't all that suitable for Zahara, but looks a good option for Ballerini, which also went well tonight," Jason said. "There is also the big bonus on offer in Victoria early in the New Year to think about.

"For now we will just enjoy tonight's win and think about that later on."

Beginning quickly to lead from barrier two, Jilliby Ballerini was eased to take a trail behind Keayang Zahara, which sent forward from gate four.

Allowed to roll along a steady tempo, Keayang Zahara completed a two-and-a-half metre win, with  Ollivici 24-and-a-half metres away third.

Covering the final quarter in a blistering 26.4 seconds, the four-year-old rated 1:55.1 over 1720 metres, taking her record to 17 wins and a second from 18 starts for earnings of $745,455.

Eight of Keayang Zahara's wins have been Group Ones!