Talented sprinter back racing after long lay-off

Talented sprinter Zipabout will make an unexpected return to racing nearly 18 months since his last start, when the Great Southern racing season kicks off at Mt Barker Turf Club on Sunday afternoon.

Formerly trained by Peter Western, Zipabout will step out for new trainer Rebecca Wallrodt against a small field in the Tabtouch And Perth Racing Handicap (1000m), his first official race since running ninth in Albany back on April 9, 2016.

Zipabout, now a nine-year-old, has won six of his 23 career starts and will jump from barrier four with 55.5kg on his back for apprentice jockey Andrew Castle.

Wallrodt was delighted to have the classy sprinter back at the track and said she had no expectations for his racing return.

“We brought him back in. He’d had 18 months off and we’d pretty much retired him,” she said.

“We will see what happens. There is no real expectations; it’s just nice to have him there.

“He has a tonne of ability and is going nicely but the 1000 metres is a bit short for him and he’s a bit fat, so it’s sort of another trial.”

Wallrodt will also saddle up debutant Scandalily in the Plantagenet Concrete Maiden (1000m) and Our Buddy Boy in The Grocery Store Handicap (1100m) at the opening meeting.

Scandalily will be ridden by Jason Whiting from gate five after winning a 1000m barrier trial in Albany over recent Ascot winner and WA Guineas contender Three Secrets.

The feature race of the opening meeting will be the $14,000 Michelle Harry Ivy and Ross Parsons Memorial Handicap (1300m), which has attracted a field of 11, including ex-Victoria galloper Mr Pago and rising four-year-old Sondheim.

The seven-race card will start at 1.55pm and finish at 5.35pm.

Cameron Newbold’s Mt Barker Selections

Race 1: Marchand

Race 2: Salsa Cubana

Race 3: Big Summer

Race 4: Count Kala

Race 5: Ellens Choice

Race 6: Niccatrice

Race 7: Return On Capital

Best Bet: Count Kala

Value: Big Summer