19 June, 2003
Exciting youngster Penny Veejay (pictured)
looms as the top seed in this year's Vicbred Super Series after he towelled Als
Rocket at Maryborough yesterday afternoon.
Whilst reluctant to label him the nation's best
two-year-old pacer, driver Chris Alford admits the son of Australian Oaks
winner Newbold Penny is something special.
"I wouldn't be scared of anyone with this
horse", declared Alford.
"He's very quick, he seems pretty tough and he's
got a fantastic nature.
Peter Manning's unbeaten Kathryn Dancer is considered
the nation's juvenile benchmark, a profile he should enhance with his 12th
victory at Harold Park on Friday night.
In the emerging Penny Veejay he now looks set to face
a serious challenge for his crown.
Already Bendigo officials are licking their lips at
the prospect of a showdown between the duo in their upcoming Australasian
Breeders Crown spectacular.
Yesterday, the Jayne Davies-trained Penny Veejay ($3)
flew out from barrier four, but was unable to cross Als Rocket in three.
Alford angled for the spot behind the $1.40 favourite
and enjoyed an economical trip before powering along the sprint lane to take
his unbeaten streak to four.
"He felt great today and he's only going to get
better", said Alford.
"There's still certainly a bit of improvement in
him.....he was pretty fat after missing a few starts.
With quarters of 29.2sec, 32.9sec, 29.3sec and
28.8sec, the Village Jasper gelding rated a career best 1:59.6 in the 1690
metre scamper.
Outsider Impressive Khan ($19.50) pipped a slightly
disappointing Als Rocket for second. That duo four metres in arrears of the
winner.
Penny Veejay will now make his next appearance in the
Vicbred semis at Moonee Valley on Thursday night, 10 July.
