CON Kelly’s strongest horse will head down to Caulfield tomorrow to compete in a benchmark 78 race tomorrow in an attempt to take the trainer’s winner rate above average in 2016.
The Swan Hill local will travel with Curragh King, a locally owned horse, in an attempt to continue a streak of good form for the six-year-old gelding.
In the recent Swan Hill Cup, Curragh King finished in third place before heading to Adelaide where he again struck third.
The horse will be guided tomorrow by Brooke Sweeney, a jockey who will decrease the horse’s weight to 56kgs, down from the 59kgs that appeared to burden the runner.
Speaking with The Guardian, Kelly said he was confident his horse could take out the victory in the city class race.
“It is a little less competitive than Melbourne but we are going to have a crack,” he said.
“My word he is a chance. If he has luck in running and draws a good barrier … just looking at those nominated … I think he will be real competitive for sure.”
Since going full-time as a trainer more than five years ago, Kelly said he has averaged 12 winners per season.
“I have had 12 winners for the year, the season hasn’t been too bad at all,” he said.
“I have 10 horses in work at the moment and of those, six of them secured a win this season. Red Almighty won a Balranald Cup … it has been a good year.
“You aim to get as many winners as you can of course and if you can maintain the level of achievement you are someway towards winning some more.”
The local horse is expected to have a cheer squad back in Swan Hill willing him onto a win.
