Zenas Zeus and Shoot The Bolt (Tullymurry Act-Westmead Lola) provided the first litter brother forecast in Swindon’s Two Year Old Produce Stakes since Westmead Joe led home the pair’s great grand dam Westmead Olivia in the 2006 final.
Jenni March’s October puppy didn’t put a foot wrong with a trap to line performance to clock his fastest time of the event, 28.90 (+10).
Zeus was bred by Paul Attwater, who rained the runner-up and is owned by Chris Sliney. He and two sisters joined Ms March’s Colchester based kennel when they were twelve months old.
Jenni said: “It was just obvious from the first time I saw him run around the paddock, that he was going to be a bit special. The good ones make it all look so effortless when they move and cover so much ground.
Jo Clarke (right) presents the trophy to Sharon Attwater (wife of breeder Paul), accompanied by Bob Gilling (Breeders Forum), Jenni holds the winner accompanied by Chris Sliney and Jenni’s assistant Clive Lefevre. Also in pic is Neil Attwater, joint owner of Shoot The Bolt, and children. All photos by Josh Sealey
“We didn’t rush him but he wasn’t really schooled. I took his to Barry O’Sullivan’s schooling track and gave him a hand slip, then he went through the traps and that was it.”
Zeus ran one sprint and then clocked 30.17 in his first qualifying trial at Central Park. He won second and third time out and was contesting A1 by his fourth race. He ran a comparatively disappointing 29.81 in his first trial at Swindon and finished second in the opening round. The final represented his seventh win in a career of 11 races.
Jenni said: “I think he is a dog who needs an introduction to a track and I wasn’t too disappointed with the trial but he has improved every race since. You would think there would be more to come because he is still growing and getting stronger.”
Jovial Monk (T2) won his first race since being stolen when taking the 685m open from local champion Moreton Madras (T3). The winner’s time was 41.96 – Pic Sealey
