Jay Is Jay hits turbulence as Cyndie’s Cyndie ‘arrives on the big stage’

By Pat McLeod

Jay Is Jay’s flight path to 2024 glory hit unexpected turbulence, while Cyndie’s Cyndie continued to emerge as a genuine track star in Thursday night’s action-packed program at Albion Park.

Cyndie Elson’s impressive bitch hit the line with purpose to steal a three-quarters-of-a-length win in a best eight race over Sharyn Jackson’s Mr. Springtime, with Cincinnati Lana (another Elson runner) third, in 29.93 seconds. 

However, it was the performance of fourth-placed Jay Is Jay that left all bewildered, including mentor Mick Zammit.

“Obviously very disappointed with the run,” a concerned Zammit said.

“We will just have a good look at him over the next 24 hours and see if we can pinpoint a reason. He certainly didn't hit the line.”

The track record holder and Million Dollar Chase winner began mid-field from box four and then tracked into second place behind Mr. Springtime.

However, his customary mid-race domination and burst to the line didn’t happen.

In fact, it was Cyndie’s Cyndie who exploded past both nearing the post, with race caller John ‘Bunny’ Brasch declaring: “Cyndie’s Cyndie arrives on the big stage.”

Cyndie Elson’s son Travis, a successful trainer in his own right, who is helping out while his mother recovers from back surgery, was rapt with Cyndie’s Cyndie’s run, but more excited about what lies ahead.

“She (Cyndie’s Cyndie) looks like she's got stayer written all over her,” Travis said.

“Her mum (the legendary Cyndie’s Magic) was amazing in a field and now this one is really starting to show some unbelievable track sense.

“To run down dogs like that is pretty amazing. However, I have no doubt her best is at 600 metres and beyond. That's probably where you will see her next week.

“It was a super run. I think there might be a really nice race in her over the distance - a Group race during the winter carnival.”

Travis said his mother was back involved with her dogs at her Churchable property and recovering well from her surgery six weeks ago.

“(His brother) Warren has been a solid rock out there working very hard and all credit to my mother and Warren, they have done all the work,” Travis said.

“Their team is really flying. This win will be great medicine for mum. She said to us 10 weeks ago that this (Cyndie’s Cyndie) was her best dog coming through. And, she was spot on.”

The fallout from that race, race nine, certainly overshadowed an enthralling night of racing at ‘The Creek', which also included Valpolicella’s winning return and a very competitive four heats of the Easter Trophy fifth grade series over 520 metres.

Tony Zammit’s distance star returned to the track with a consummate performance, leading from box rise to finish post in a free for all 710 metre event.

Valpolicella clocked 42.02 seconds, with Amendola (trained by Tom Tzouvelis) second and Hidden Agenda (Tony Short) third.

“I was very happy,” Tony Zammit said.

He will now target Valpolicella towards the Group 1 Association Cup at Wentworth Park.

The heats are on April 6 before the Final on April 13.

“I knew she was carrying a little bit of extra weight and this was her first 700 metres since her last start in Melbourne (the Group 1 Zoom Top win on February 10)," Tony Zammit said.

“So, as long as she pulls up all right I will give her another 700 metres, probably here next week, and then head down to the Sydney races.”

Giving Tony Zammit a spring in his step was the fact that Valpolicella jumped in front and maintained her lead.

“That was interesting,” the master trainer said of the start.

“Normally she starts behind them, however in her last few she has been starting quicker. Her first section was probably the quickest she has gone. So, yes, interesting.”

Scenic Rim trainer Daniel Lee is looking forward to his talented Willow’s Gift finding a few more gears in next week’s Final of the Easter Trophy.

The Sennachie and Run With Faith chaser won the opening heat by seven and a half lengths, but didn’t appear extended.

“He looks like he is holding back,” Lee said after the personal best win in 30.18 seconds.

“Of course he didn’t need to fully extend, but it will be a different story next week. The heat gets you into the Final that is where you need to perform.

“He needs to back up what he did next week. He is not endowed with early speed, but gets home well. I have no doubt eventually he will be looking for 600 metres. I have always had faith in the dog ever since we broke him in. He has always shown that he has got a load of ability.

“He has had a few injuries so far in his career, but he has been a very good dog. He has got a big motor.”

Willow’s Gift will have to find a bit extra next week, with some impressive wins in the other three heats.

Quickest was Greg Stella’s Our Opals, who won in 29.83 seconds ahead of Ring Me (Tom Tzouvelis) with Agent Spaghetti (John Dart) third.

Sandra Hunt’s Kahlo Hayze also looked impressive, clocking her seventh win in her past eight starts, with a sizzling finish, to run down Travis Elson’s Aidan’s Queen in 30.32 seconds, with Rocklea Earle (Selena Zammit) third.

Travis Elson also scored a heat win with Super Scrub (30.22 seconds), who won ahead of Ray Burman’s Tiny Encounter and Jason Aylward’s Orson Apatite.