Zipping Megatron Shines In Bob Payne Sprint Romp

THE Jason Magri-trained powerhouse Zipping Megatron gave his owners the Hallinan family their second victory in the Group 3 Bob Payne Sprint at Wentworth Park on Saturday night.

The Clergate breeding and racing operation won the race in 2021 with their form popular chaser Zipping Kyrgios.

Zipping Megatron broke a run of second placings to claim his second Wentworth Park feature to go with his Magic Maiden success in October last year.

The son of Superior Panama and Hallinan favourite Zipping Mitzy, had chased home Mackenna in the semi final and final of the recently concluded Golden Easter Egg series before again finishing second in the Bob Payne Sprint heat behind One Hot Bandit.

But the 36 kilo red brindle beast wasn't settling for second best again in Saturday night's $25,000-to-the-winner showcase.

Making use of the rail draw, Zipping Megatron ($1.65 fav) put his shoulder into Overflow Beau turning out of the straight the first time to take up the running.

From there the margin increased with every remaining stride before Zipping Megatron stopped the clock at 29.55 seconds with a 7-3/4 length margin back to second.

Zipping Megatron powers to a win in the Beast Unleashed Bob Payne Sprint Final at @wentyparkgreys tonight!#thedogs #greyhoundracing #greyhounds pic.twitter.com/2FSlGH9eTm

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) May 4, 2024

"He went good," Magri told thedogs.com.au. "Came out good, punched up good.

"I thought he was going to be in a bit of trouble when he and the two (Overflow Beau) got together on the corner but he pushed him out the way and kept going.

The Jodie Lord-trained One Hot Bandit ($18) worked home to grab second place ahead of Overflow Beau ($5) a half-length back in third.

The victory was Zipping Megatron's ninth from 14 starts and took his earnings beyond $165,000.

Magri said there are no immediate plans for his kennel star after a busy couple of months.

"He's had a hard couple of weeks so he probably needs a little bit of a break now and we'll go from there," he said.

"He's doing all the right things so I just hope it keeps going."