Kilroy hopes to clip Pure Hawk’s wings
CATCH Pure Hawk.
That is the plan Atherton trainer John Kilroy has set for his promising filly Luvya Beak this afternoon in the Townsville Guineas Three- Year- Old Handicap ( 1609m) at Cluden Park.
The bay filly, who has four career wins to her name, travelled south to Townsville last week to better help her prepare for the $ 30,000 race.
Kilroy says Luvya Beak does not like travel or strange stables so an early drive south was always on the cards.
Tolga trainer Allan Paterson had his consistent gelding Toff Rocks nominated for the Townsville Guineas but opted to scratch him earlier this week, instead looking for a similar race during the upcoming Cairns Cup Carnival.
The reason Patterson decided to scratch: he did not think he could topple the in- form Pure Hawk today.
Trained by Jeffrey Caught at Townsville, Pure Hawk has been devastating in his last three starts in the north, recording two wins by four and three lengths, as well as a close- up second to Grey Missile.
Luvya Beak is yet to find her best form this preparation but Kilroy is hopeful she is nearing her peak.
“The way Pure Hawk has been going, it will be the one to beat,” Kilroy said. “That is what we are hoping. “I am not sure if we will be able to catch Pure Hawk but you will never know if you do not have a go.
“I know Luvya Beak will be able to run the mile.”
Kilroy has only been training horses since last September and is pleased to be able to prepare a horse for a race like the Townsville Guineas.
“I did not think I would get in actually,” Kilroy said.
“The ratings are a lot lower this year than what they have been in previous years.”