Reviving memories of former great
UNDEFEATED youngster Keayang Zahara attempting a slice of history this weekend has sparked memories of one of the all-time great fillies.
Boasting a perfect record from 10 starts, Keayang Zahara is poised to tackle the 'boys' in Sunday's Victoria Trotters' Derby in Maryborough.
Success will see the Marg Lee-trained three-year-old become the first squaregaiter to complete a clean sweep of the Victoria and New South Wales Trotters' Derbys and Oaks.
Keayang Zahara won the Menagle-based Blue Ribands last May in what were her third and fourth starts before trouncing her rivals in the Victoria Oaks in Melton a fortnight ago.
Too good in a Derby heat last week, the daughter of Volstead remains the favourite despite drawing the inside of the second row.
Keayang Zahara's bid for a position in the record books is the catalyst for reliving the amazing feats of the great Argent
Foaled in 1952, Argent is by inaugural A G Hunter Cup winner Silver Peak from handy producer Scottish Maiden.
Trained by Jack McKay, Argent was unbeaten from four two-year-old starts, with her wins including the Victoria Breeders’ Plate and Saplings Stake.
It was the following year that Argent achieved immortality in what was a vintage season for three-year-olds.
Argent’s 10 wins for the term not only include the Victoria and New South Wales Oaks, but also the Derbys from both states and she remains the only filly to achieve such a remarkable feat!
On top of that, Argent also won her Victoria and New South Wales Derby heats and won three races against open age company at the Ascot Vale Showgrounds – including her first start for the season!
Amazingly on January 6, 1956 – just five months into her three-year-old year and first-up from a spell – Argent beat her older rivals as the 4/5 favourite.
Leading throughout, the filly accounted for Summer Van and Pay Load, which went on to win the A G Hunter Cup, in 2:09.2 over 11 furlongs.
On the same card, Cheyenne captured the fast class event in 2:11.8 over a similar distance.
Argent raced her way into open company as a four-year-old before being retired to stud.
Sadly, she only produced four foals - all winners - before being found dead one morning, with her best progeny being Gyro, which was plagued by injuries throughout his career.
Limited to just 48 starts, which netted 19 wins and 14 placings, Gyro joined his mum on the Victoria Sapling Stake honour roll in 1963 before emulating her New South Wales Derby triumph in 1964.
