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Kindaleica fulfilled a long term stable prediction at Avondale on Saturday when he landed his first stakes prize.
The five-year-old continued his hot run of form this preparation with success in the Listed Westbury Stud Karaka Classic.
“The two races we set him for were this one and the Matamata Cup,” said Hamish McQuade, whose wife Karyn trains Kindaleica.“I said to the owners a year ago that he would be a really capable miler, he’s just needed time.
“He really developed during his last break and he’s a different animal now. He’s grown and filled out through the shoulder.”Kindaleica has now collected three wins and a placing from his last five starts and he also delivered a first black type win for apprentice jockey Anna Jones.
“It was a very good ride and she did everything we asked of her,” McQuade said.Jones gave Kindaleica an ideal run in the trail before angling into the clear to hit the front 100 metres from home to score by a neck.
While Kindaleica has heavy track form to his credit, McQuade said the gelding was adept on better ground.“He’s got a club foot so he just needs the jar out of it. He’s got a bit of a reputation as a mudlark, but as long as it’s a Dead 5 he’s fine.”
Dragonkeeper and Taaxman closed late to finish second and third respectively and the pacemaker Khemosabi kicked on gamely for fourth.