Mick Kent light on spring numbers
Trainer Mick Kent is light on numbers for the upcoming Melbourne carnival but has three quality contenders.
Kent will be relying on the undefeated Abbey Marie, smart sprinter Supido and talented stayer Charlevoix to underpin his spring hopes.
The three are back in work at Cranbourne having spelled after a successful Adelaide autumn carnival.
Australasian Oaks winner Abbey Marie is progressing nicely after spending time at the Werribee veterinary clinic during her break.
The mare spiked a temperature on the 12th day of her spell and was taken to the clinic but the source of the infection could not be found.
The mare was treated with antibiotics and eventually got over the complaint.
Kent had hoped Abbey Marie, who has had just three starts, would be his Cups horse but he is now concentrating on the Myer Classic (1600m) at Flemington on Derby day.
“Because she had that time in the hospital she only had a month off so we’re looking at the Myer only with her,” Kent said.
Kent says he wants to run Supido, the winner of six of his nine starts, in the Group One Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley in October but has not set a race for his return.
“I gave him eight weeks off after Adelaide knowing he would be in for a busy time,” Kent said.
“There’s only a couple of races in the spring but in the autumn there’s a million races, so I thought I would give him his big break now.”
Charlevoix is being aimed at the Sandown Classic and like Supido had a decent break after a successful first campaign.
He hasn’t raced since finishing fifth in the South Australian Derby.
Charlevoix has only had five starts, registering a debut 1400m win and a Listed success over 2400m.
“I took him a step too far,” Kent said.
“He had five weeks leading into the Derby and he just raced a bit flat.
“He spelled really well and we’ll be looking at the Sandown Classic as he’s unbeaten at Sandown.”