Kelly says winners take time

GOLD Coast trainer Les Kelly has made a low-key return to racing after a 17-month lay-off but there is every indication his stable is gaining momentum.

Kelly has had 17 starters for a handful of placings since he returned to the track in July.

His one runner at the Gold Coast Turf Club meeting today – five-year-old gelding Larebil – will have his work cut out to deliver that elusive win over 1300m in Race 7 but is not without a chance.

Kelly, who now has 17 horses in his stable after kicking off his return with about half a dozen in work, said he felt no pressure to produce the first win since he decided to end his training hiatus.

“It’ll happen. I’ve got some nice horses there,” he said. “It’s just a matter of getting them fit. They don’t get fit overnight.

“Most of them are unraced two-year-olds.”

Larebil produced a first-up third placing in a 1200m race at Eagle Farm on October 3 and “had every chance” on a soft track, according to the trainer.

His only career win from 21 starts came second-up over 1400m in December 2015.

“He’s not that well suited at set weights but the horse is progressing forwards and I expect he’ll run well,” Kelly said.

“And he’ll be much better suited if we get some rain. He’ll be better when he gets over a bit more ground. His ideal distance is probably 1600m.

“There’s no big plans for him (but) after this run I’ll be looking to step him up to 1400 and then up to a mile.”

The standout in the Class 1 race appears to be the Steven Lee-trained Lighthouse Keeper who has a win and three placings from seven starts.

“Lighthouse Keeper won first-up at Grafton and has real good Sydney form. I’d imagine it’d be the hardest to beat,” Kelly said.