Kelly keen with Arena putting ills behind him

TRAINER David Kelly says Arena Salon is ready to return to form in the Sky Racing Rating 75 Handicap (1400m) at the Gold Coast today after overcoming a case of thumps.

Arena Salon won three races and finished second in another from five starts in his previous campaign over summer but is yet to win in three runs this preparation.

Kelly revealed the drop in form was due to thumps, which signals an electrolyte imbalance and significant fluid loss after an exhaustive workout.

It affected Arena Salon’s post-race recovery but a simple change of diet has solved the problem and has Kelly confident the gelding, a $3 favourite with UBET, can win today.

“The last two starts he has pulled up with some minor problems,” the Gold Coast trainer said.

“But we sorted that out and his work over the last week has been very good.

“We’re very happy with him, he looks great in condition and we’re expecting him to run a very good race with some luck.”

Arena Salon will be ridden by Gold Coast premiershipwinning jockey Daniel Griffin, who steered the five-year-old to his first win in January.

“He’s got the best jockey (Griffin) at the Coast on him, so from barrier eight he should be able to get into a nice position,” Kelly said.

It looks to be an ideal distance for Arena Salon, who has two wins and two second place finishes from five starts around the 1400m trip.

“His first-up run at 1200m was very good and we found it was a bit short for him firstup,” Kelly said. “He did have a big weight and we just got him up to this distance, so we are happy to keep him here and see how he goes.”

The Gold Coast meeting also marks the return of jockey Larry Cassidy after more than a year out of the saddle because of injury.

Cassidy, who has won Sydney and Brisbane jockey premierships, makes his return after knee surgery.

He will ride Forbidden Kisses in the final race today after a month of riding in trials.