Zipping wins the 2010 Sandown Classic. The grand old campaigner was paid the ultimate compliment with the race being named the Zipping Classic after his fourth consecutive win in the race.
By David Nagel
One of Dandenong’s best known businessmen, Gerry Ryan, will attempt to win the biggest race in the local area when Americain steps out in the $350,000 Zipping Classic (2400m) at Sandown this Saturday.
The Ryan-owned Americain won the 2010 Melbourne Cup and ran a courageous fourth in this year’s instalment of the great race after having no luck in running.
The French trained galloper will be looking to win his fourth start in five attempts on Australian soil.
The last Melbourne Cup winner to win the classic the following year was Arwon in 1980.
The other highlight on Sandown’s biggest day is the running of the $350,000 Betfair Sandown Guineas (1600m) where the Peter Snowden trained Galah will be looking to keep his unbeaten record this preparation in tact.
Snowden will look to continue his recent successful run in the race having won in 2008 and 2009.
He won’t have it all his own way however, with the impressive Sydneysider Combat Kitty winning brilliantly on Cup Day, she looks certain to be the testing material.
Previous winners of the Sandown Guineas include greats of the Australian Turf in Light Fingers, Taj Rossi, So Called and Durbridge while the Bart Cummings trained Saintly ran a placing in the race.
The Zipping Classic will mark the 124th running of the event formerly known as the Williamstown Cup, Sandown Cup and Sandown Classic. It was renamed the Zipping Classic after the incredible effort by Zipping to win the Sandown Classic for the fourth successive year in 2010. Zipping will lead the field out this year and with Americain top weight the two great horses will walk side by side.
There’s a great support card with group and listed races scattered throughout the day and plenty of entertainment for the whole family.
There will be Camp Australia activities, face painting, horse racing themed craft, relays and races, design your own ties, badge making, handball target and giant earth ball, along with pony rides, a jumping castle and an animal farm.
There will also be the popular singing of the national anthem by mystery identities and the Melbourne Racing Club will make a $5000 donation to their charity of choice.
Admission is $20 for adults, $10 concession and children under 14 accompanied by an adult are free.
