Kisukano’s Coast visit to determine Sydney trip
RACING: A trip to Sydney for Kisukano hinges on her performance at the Gold Coast tomorrow.
The star Toowoomba threeyear-old faces her first test against older horses in the $125,000 Pink Ribbon Cup (1300m), in what is shaping as a dress rehearsal for a potential tilt at the Group 1 Flight Stakes at Randwick.
“We’re giving her this run, which could be a bit out of her distance range,” trainer Michael Noaln said.
“It’s her first time against older mares, so there’s a few unknowns, but we want to see how she runs the 1300m out to give us a guide.
“She’s nominated for the Flight Stakes over a mile. If she runs well on Saturday and can win impressively, we’ll definitely look at giving her a chance in Sydney, especially after seeing how Rothfire went.”
Kisukano’s only start at the Gold Coast resulted in a twolength defeat of Rothfire back in March.
He has since gone on to claim the Group 1 JJ Atkins Plate, and was a dominant winner of the Run to the Rose at the weekend, downing Golden Slipper winner Farnan.
“I think his win the other day is not only good for (trainer) Rob Heathcote, but for Queensland racing as well,” Nolan said.
“It gives an idea that our better horses can be very competitive. At one stage there was a big gap, but that’s smaller now.”
Kisukano hasn’t been seen at the races since breaking the track record at Eagle Farm on August 29.
The filly had a gallop between races at Clifford Park last Saturday night, and Nolan said she is in good order.
“We opted for the gallop as something different and to break up the routine,” he said.
“It’s probably the best I’ve seen her work. Her overall time on the night was pretty quick, as was her last 200m.
“She gave us everything we wanted to see, and we’re thankful for the TTC for letting us gallop her.” JUVENILES STEP OUT FOR TRIALS
The first two-year-old trials of the season were held at Clifford Park earlier in the week, with an eye to the Pat O’Shea Plate on September 26.
Sherwood Prince (Glenn Richardson) took out the colts and geldings trial by 2 ½ lengths in a time of 53.81 over the 870m, with Princess Bojack (Michael Nolan) winning in a time of 53.49 by 3 lengths.