Weighing in at just 26-kilogram’s, you would be forgiven for thinking she is just a pretty face but Zoom Out is certainly more than that.
A winner of 11 races from just 20 starts (four seconds), Zoom Out claimed her biggest win to date on Wednesday night, the $20,000 Lil Dickie Ballarat Oaks (450m) – a race her trainer Michelle Mallia-Magri was honoured to win.
“I grew up with Lil Dickie and to win a race that honours her is very special to me,” Michelle Mallia-Magri said.
Lil Dickie was a life member of the Ballarat Greyhound Racing Club who passed away at the age of 90 in February 2017. Lil Dickie was also awarded Greyhound Racing Victoria’s Ken Carr Medal in 2002 which recognises outstanding contribution to a greyhound club.
“Meeting Lil Dickie’s family after the race was just as exciting as winning the Oaks.”
“They even backed her to win!”
Zoom Out continues to put smiles on the faces of her connections, and winning the Oaks was just one reason.
The daughter of Banjo Boy and Unquestionably was purchased with her brother Burnout, after Michelle’s husband’s (John) mother passed away.
“It was a hard time for the family, especially for John and his father so we decided to buy a couple of pups to brighten our spirits,” Mallia-Magri said.
“The fact that she can run is the icing on a very special cake.”
Zoom Out won the $15,000 first prize by 7.84 lengths and in a best of the night time of 25.15 seconds.
WATCH: Zoom Out win the Lil Dickie Ballarat Oaks on Wednesday night from box four.“It was a huge effort and this run showed how big of a motor she has,” Mallia-Magri said.
“We all had tears in our eyes after she won on Wednesday night. Seeing John’s dad so happy was an amazing moment and I truly think this greyhound has given him 10 years to his life.”
Just shy of her second birthday, which will be celebrated on Saturday with a family dinner, Mallia-Magri believes that Zoom Out is the best sprinter she has put a lead on.
“We were invited to go to Sydney for the National Futurity but I just didn’t think she was ready for it,” Mallia-Magri said.
“I believe I have one of the best bitches in Victoria for her age group, but I don’t want to chase races she isn’t ready for yet – this journey isn’t about the money. We are enjoying this ride as a family.”
Mallia-Magri knew Zoom Out was special after her maiden victory where she missed the start by four lengths but smartly made her way through the field to win by 4.11 lengths in a time of 25.83 seconds.
WATCH: Zoom Out win her maiden at Ballarat from box six in July, 2017.“Her debut performance was amazing, and it has excited us ever since,” Mallia-Magri said.
“What she can do in the future is endless, I can either target Country Cups when I think she is ready for it or she can go to the city. There are so many races I can look at.”
Mallia-Magri admits that Zoom Out’s box manners are a factor of her racing she needs to work on but is proud of her abilities to find her way through a field.
With the Australian Cup Carnival just weeks away Mallia-Magri doesn’t believe Zoom Out is mentally ready for the task.
“I don’t want to rush her into anything because I think she is a dog that can go close to winning half a million dollars in prize money – she is our little pocket rocket,” Mallia-Magri said.
The journey of Zoom Out spanded many weeks and many helping hands including the late Glenda Watts, who cared for Zoom Out as a puppy when Mallia-Magri had trouble with the council.
“It is great that Zoom Out has brought so many people together, this is an amazing experience.”
