Vella-trained Kanerupt shaping up for Highway Handicap bid
PROMISING three-year-old Kanerupt will be aiming to make it three wins from as many starts this Saturday when he lines up in the Highway Handicap over 1100m.
After a less than ideal first prep which saw him finish sixth, 10th and seventh respectively, the gelding has barely put a foot wrong this time in, with two wins at Wagga and Gundagai.
Trained at Canberra by Gratz Vella, his mentor says he has transformed into a better horse this preparation.
“He has matured into a different horse this season,” Vella revealed.
“He has grown, his track work has been fantastic and we were impressed with his two recent wins.”
Evidently, his trainer was so impressed with Kanerupt he made the decision to head to the city, and why wouldn’t you be considering one of his victories was a 4.3 length thrashing of his rivals over 1000m at Wagga when breaking his maiden status.
Piloted by Aaron Sweeney, the son of Krupt and Bonnie View rolled into a forward spot early and was simply too good for his opponents.
His latest win at Gundagai was a gritty performance, producing a powerful run after missing the kick to score a narrow 0.1 length win over 1100m.
“I knew he would have a good run but that result exceeded our expectations,” Vella said.
With just over three weeks off going into Saturday’s race, Kanerupt will contest the event feeling fresh and ready to put his best hooves forward.
“He is fresh, he is looking great, everything is spot on for him,” Vella said.
Five Stars Partner gunning for back-to-back wins at Port Macquarie
The Kim Waugh-trained Five Stars Partner will aim for back-to-back wins when it lines up in McGuigan BMW Class 2 Handicap (1512m) at Port Macquarie on Thursday.
“He has always had ability but was a bit slow maturing,” Mrs Waugh said.
“He has come into his own this preparation.
“His track work has been really solid and now he’s replicating that in his races,” she said.
Five Stars Partner finished more than a length ahead of rivals Cheeky Bella and Seasonal in the Lander Toyota Benchmark 60 Handicap (1400m) at Hawkesbury two weeks ago.
With Brenton Avdulla on board, he jumped well and settled fourth before kicking away with 100m to go.
“The extra distance this time will be perfect for him,” Mrs Waugh said.
“He may even get a little bit further later on.”
“This is a lovely race for Five Stars Partner,” Mrs Waugh said.
“He should get a nice run behind the leaders and will be hard to beat.”