Kennedy for third KZN win

It is rare to find a runner who not only has extraordinary speed, but also a remarkable sense of history.

The daughter of William Longsword is unbeaten in her two starts in KwaZulu-Natal, including her only run on the Polytrack.

But for those who believe in watching out for extraneous signs, this filly won her first start in KZN on 22 November last year, which was the 60th anniversary of the assassination of President John F Kennedy.

For those who did not notice, her dam is Jackie O, the nickname handed to Kennedy's wife after she later married Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis.

Serino Moodley rode her that day and he will be back on board today when she lines up in Race 7, a MR 77 Handicap over 1000m on the Polytrack at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

It was a smart decision by trainer Andre Nel to take her to KZN after she seemingly turned up her nose in other races in the Cape after winning her maiden there.

Perhaps she may not have enjoyed those tracks, but once she was let loose on the right-handed turn of the KZN track, she has been impressive outpacing her fields.

It does seem, however, she has been set an arduous task. In her last start she held off Le Premiere who, like Kennedy, had drawn wide, but who also gave her 0.5kg. This time Kennedy carries 58.5kg and is drawn No 8 while Le Premiere shoulders 56.5kg and will jump from barrier No 2 gate.

It must be pointed out that 1.5kg of the difference is made up by the allowance given to Rachel Venniker who will ride the Dennis Bosch-trained runner this time.

But Kennedy has excellent gate speed and once in front she will be hard to catch, especially on the Polytrack.