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A two-pronged attack for up-and-coming Trainer Matthew Kelley highlights a quality edition of the TAB Federal (1200m), this Friday at Thoroughbred Park.
Prophet's Pride and Rathlin both enter the contest off runs in Gundagai’s Snake Gully Cup (1400m), and we’ve seen the form franked with the winner, Suparazi, producing a super effort in the $200,000 Canberra Community Chest (1400m) when second behind Super Helpful.
Prophet’s Pride was particularly impressive that day, finishing 5th ahead of some quality gallopers including $2m Kosciuszko runner Kimberley Secrets and Matthew Kelley thinks the drop in grade and distance look ideal here.
“I think she’s placed really well here.” Kelley said. “Up in weight but back in grade and she’s drawn soft (barrier 4) where we’ll have the intention of leading.”
“She’s going really well, she’s going to be hard to get past back to 1200m.”
“She’s a big gross mare so I think we’re only starting to get her to top fitness now which is exciting as she’s already won two races in this grade this preparation.”
Kelley isn’t dismissing his other hope, Rathlin, a horse who he believes has another gear to go to. “He’s got more ability than 10 horses put together.” Kelley said. “But it’s whether he wants to use it.” “He was really good when winning here a month ago and he’s also drawn really well (barrier 2).”
“He’s going to be just off the pace and after the claim of 3kg apprentice Coriah Keatings, he’s really well in at the weights.”
“I genuinely think both of mine have a really good chance of winning on Friday.”
Kelley’s pair are joined as key chances by Miss Ostend, Norm Gardner’s talented mare who drops back in class from the $250,000 Barn Dance.
The TAB Federal is Race 6 on Friday’s program at Thoroughbred Park and is due to jump at 5:44pm.