3 minute read
Promising galloper Kelinni can continue his good form in today's Tooheys New Handicap (race 6) at Gosford.
The lightly raced gelding, a four year old son of Refuse To Bend, has raced only seven times for three wins and a placing.
In time, the gelding may get over more ground given his two half brothers in the UK have won at two miles and beyond.
But right now the mile of today's Benchmark 75 looks ideal, especially after a strong win at a similar journey last start.
Kelinni broke through for his maiden win over 1250m at his second run then was spelled, before resuming over 1250m at Canterbury Park last spring and running on well to score again.
He then stepped up to 1550m there and after settling and racing second throughout held third behind Al's Gold in a very good form race.
Trainer Chris Waller tipped him out for a spell before he resumed in this grade over 1250m at Canterbury.
He got through the heavy conditions okay, but despite a small field he had little luck in the race.
After setlting last and deep, he ran on into a pocket and went to the line untested in fourth place, just over a length from Oakfield Commands.
He then returned there three weeks later over the same distance but in a Benchmark 70.
After copping a bump at the start he settled back and wide and was looking for a run on the bend when held up before gaining the split and running on well into fourth again, this time behind She Goes To Rio, in a good form race.
Backing up at Canterbury over 1550m a week later, he had a change of rider in Hugh Bowman who rode him positively in the lead.
And the tactics paid off, leading throughout and kicking strongly for a 1.5 length win over Dancing Attendance.
Today he meets the same grade but rises 2kg on the run.
Hugh Bowman has stuck with him and from barrier one in this small field he can either take up the running or more likely, with a few on pace types engaged, take the trail on the inside behind the leader.
The gelding should be even fitter for the run last time and looks the one to beat again.
The Mack Griffith trained Pesci gets to his pet journey and should give a big sight on the speed.
The honest four year old had little luck with a tough run second up over 1250m at Taree then was disappointing in the Quirindi Cup over a mile when leading early but fading to finish eighth.
Last start, back to 1400m in the Guyra Cup at Armidale, he sat second throughout before forging clear in the straight and scoring a length win.
He is back at a mile now and at the journey has four wins and a second from eight tries.
Although up in weight the trip and small field suits and from a good gate will give a sight at each way odds.
The Anthony Cummings trained Gilded Spur was no match for Kelinni last time but can sneak into the finish here.
The gelding was runner up over 1550m at Canterbury two starts back then returned there last start in the race won by Kelinni.
Settling midfield he was deep around the bend and straightened there but could manage only sixth.
He drops in weight today and meets the winner 2.5kg better, and although that's probably not enough to turn the tables he can do better this time and finish on into the minors.
Miskish is fitter for two runs back and looks ready to show his best.
