The recent success of horses in the ownership of Peter and Philip Vela, Mark Wyborn and Trevor Farmer has been impressive and the maiden victory for Keepers Tally (Zabeel – Paint Me a Dream, by Deputy Minister) at Woodville today continued on their good form.

In the space of the last month the owners have enjoyed two victories by outstanding three-year-old Noble Manor (Stravinsky – Sarwatch, by Jetball) in Singapore to January 23, a front-running win by Stalking (Van Nistelrooy – Dance my Dance, by Sadler’s Wells) at Te Teko on January 27, while those same tactics got Keepers Tally first prize in the Mangatera Hotel Maiden (2200m) today.

Jockey Michael Walker had the rangy son of Zabeel out in front from the word go after jumping from barrier two. The track rated a slow 8 was cutting out but there were no clods of concern for Keepers Tally in the lead, where Walker settled the gelding into a nice rhythm.

His cruising speed had the chasers off the bit well before the home turn before Walker had even asked for an effort, and victory was assured a long way out. The official time was 2.20.60 with Just A Shout (Generous) running home for second place.

He achieved his first win at his eleventh start for trainer Mark Walker, but like most Zabeels he has just continued to improve with racing at distances conducive to testing stamina. It is expected that Keepers Tally will continue to go the right way about his racing and will look to make his mark on the New Zealand staying ranks in future.

Keepers Tally is out of Paint Me a Dream, a half-sister to Group 1 racehorse and sire Honour and Glory (Relaunch), a family which has also left its mark on the thoroughbred world through successful sires Fappiano, Ogygian, Quiet American and Torrential.

Paint Me a Dream foaled a filly by Darci Brahma on October 3 and returned to the brilliant son of Danehill this season.