Houdini Boy claimed the Group 1 $108,000 Zoom Top (725m) at The Meadows tonight in a thrilling finish which saw just 1.5 lengths separate the first three place getters.
Trained and bred by the Greenough Kennels, Houdini Boy worked through the field to chase down the leading Zack Monelli to win his second Group 1 victory after he claimed the Sale Cup (650m) in December.
Houdini Boy’s Zoom Top victory was his second win over the 700 plus metre journey following a win in a heat of the Group 1 Bold Trease at Sandown Park in November.
The son of Zambora Brockie and Pechey, who is owned by Mark Ruff, is now a winner of 15 races from 27 career starts which has seen him earn more than $274,000 in prize money.
“Being a young up-and-coming stayer, he has done a terrific job to have won and we are very proud to have won the race,” co-trainer Jackie Greenough said after Houdini Boy’s win in 42.28sec.
Houdini Boy had three weeks away from the racetrack in the lead up to his Zoom Top victory.
Second and third place getters Stanley Road and Sunset Bourbski lost no admirers in the Zoom Top, both coming from near last position to snag the minor placings.
The tracking chips worn by each greyhound in the Zoom Top was a great addition to the race, showcasing the speeds of each runner throughout.
Houdini Boy was clocking speeds of 54.2km/h when crossing the line to win the Zoom Top.
Stanley Road for NSW trainer Mark Gatt hit the line at a speed of 56.1km/h, while Sunset Bourbski for Team Dailly finished off the race at a speed of 56.9km/h.
The Zoom Top is a great lead in to next week’s heats of the Group 1 Fanta Bale Super Stayers at The Meadows, as the Australian Cup Carnival continues.
