The erratic Volstead mare isn’t sure she’ll tackle Bill Collins

BEAUTIFUL mare Keayang Zahara (Volstead) is “not a lock” as back-up in next Saturday evening’s Group 1 Bill Collins Trot in Melton.

As impressive as the four-year-old won first last night, trotting racer Jason Lee said the connections needed to be thought about.

“It’s just not ideal to run her for two weeks straight when she’s just come back from a stint,” he said.

“The team still has some thinking to do. They will weigh everything and make a decision on Monday evening.”

Keayang Zahara, the first since she first tasted defeat in Menangle on May 10, reminded everyone how good she is.

With Inter Dominion champion Arcee Phoenix leading, Keayang Zahara gave him a 40-metre start with a lap to go and rode him down to win, leaving him six meters ahead.

“Nothing really surprises me with this mare because she is so good, but to be the first to do that is pretty amazing with the improvement she has yet to achieve,” Jason Lee said.

“It’s as much of a relief as anything. When you have a little bit of a setback like they did, you just want them to come back at their best and she did that.”

Just a week earlier, it was stablemate Jilliby Ballerini who got everyone at Melton talking.

“She has gone to another level, but she still has to learn how to race in a field and win from different spots in her races,” Lee said.

“Zahara showed what she can do tonight.”

KEAYANG ZAHARA REPEAT

Asked about New Zealand plans for either, Lee said: “We’re excited about the idea of ​​having one.

“Before tonight I would have said Ballerini was more likely because of the strong build-up and all the racing she has had, but who knows now.

“Let’s get through next week first and then make plans for New Zealand.”

The Lees also have the rich $150,000 Group 1 Grand Square at Albion Park to consider in December.

It is a race limited to three and four year old trotters, meaning both Keayang Zahara and Jilliby Ballerini are eligible.

For full race results, click here.

Through Adam Hamiltonfor Harness Racing Australia