Kenedna outstays rivals to win the Magic Millions Roses
DARREN Weir has another group title to his name after short-priced favourite Kenedna found a kick in the dying stages of the race to win the Group 2 Magic Millions Roses.
The $2.90 favourite at Crownbet.com.au found the front at the 200m mark and kicked on strongly to hold out Oklahoma Girl, which returned $2.60 at WilliamHill.com.au.
Kenedna strikes again – another stakes win to her name ⭐️ https://t.co/bRteAKAofz
— Waterford Bloodstock (@WaterfordBldstk) May 20, 2017
The winner was subject to a protest for interference in the latter stages of the race but it was ultimately dismissed.
Doomben Roses goes to Kenedna with stewards dismissing protest placed by 2nd placed James Doyle.
— Andrew Bensley (@AndrewBensley) May 20, 2017
Perilous Love plugged along stoutly to claim third and return $6.70 at Lubet.com.au.
Trainer Darren Weir said his filly got the race to suit and was good enough to seal the deal.
“Everything went well, got a lovely run throughout the race,” Weir said of Kenedna.
“The plan was to make sure she’s finishing off.”
What a tough filly she is! Up all year it feels, Kenedna adds to her tally with a win in the G2 @mmsnippets Roses. John Allen for Weir! pic.twitter.com/f8lQfNW1Ql
— Racing.com (@Racing) May 20, 2017
Weir was full of praise for jockey John Allen in the aftermath of the race.
“It was a great ride, he had a plan to be probably a pair closer than he was, but he’s such a good jockey when things don’t go the way he wants it to he seems to make the right moves at the right time, makes more right ones than wrong ones which is important.
“He works hard behind the scenes… couldn’t thank him enough.”
The Roses is typically the premier lead-in race for the Queensland Oaks in a fortnight’s time, and John Allen believes Kenedna proved it has what it takes to compete for the group one crown.
“She’s a tough as nails,” Allen said.
“She never really travelled, but it’s her toughness that got her true.
“Hopefully she should run up to the Oaks trip in two weeks.”