Consistent and reliable sprinter Zipping Gryllis won’t go in as the favourite in Sunday’s Sportsbet Emerald final at Healesville, but that’s not unusual.
He returns to the scene of the crime where he won Victoria’s Straight Track Championship back in August, as the fourth elect in the market.
“He’s a ripper. He was up in weight and underdone but he loves the straight track,” said Jamie Ennis, co-trainer of Zipping Gryllis with his wife Brooke.
His heat win on Tuesday was professional, holding off heavily backed favourite Cheap Red Wine. What made it more impressive, it was his first outing from the Ennis’ property since his last race, which was at Sandown Park on January 30.
“He’d been cutting his elbow on two-turn tracks so we gave him a break and let it heal.”
Given the effort was a fresh one, Ennis expects an even better version of Zipping Gryllis in this Sunday’s final.
“I was going to trial him last week but thought what’s the point, he’ll only trial fast he may as well save it for race day. He’ll be better on Sunday then hopefully head towards the Shepparton Cup.”
He meets fierce opposition led by fastest qualifiers Serial Sticker and Sheezel. He also renews acquaintances with Mile A Minute – the pair have clashed in the Victorian Straight Track Championship, National Straight Track Championship and Healesville Cup.
The Sportsbet Emerald final will be run at Healesville this Sunday and is Race 11 on the card.
