McKee just Might
Go Racing has two Stephen McKee trained contenders at Ellerslie this Saturday.
Four-year-old Running Man (Darci Brahma x State Circus) is a last start fresh-up winner who decisively took out his 1200 metre maiden at Te Aroha, running a very quick 33.7 seconds for his last 600 metres.
Says Stephen, “He sprinted beautifully in the straight to get up and win by almost two lengths and the way he finished the race off indicates that he will go further. The most pleasing aspect was seeing him take the gaps in the straight. It was a terrific ride from Sam Spratt.”
Running Man came through the race very well and is set for the rating 65 1400 metres at Ellerslie on Saturday worth $27,500. Sam will take the reins again although he has drawn the outside barrier of 11, which makes things tricky.
“His wide barrier draw makes it tough for him as does the fact that the rail is out 9.5 metres, but his final fast gallop yesterday was very good and the step up to 1400 metres looks like it will suit. He has been very relaxed since we gelded him.”
McKee also has a promising juvenile ready to make his debut. The well named Might (Power x Uberalles) trialled up beautifully taking out his heat at Avondale over 1000 metres on the 12th of March.
He will debut in a $22,500 set weights and penalties 2YO 1300 metres on Saturday.
Says Stephen, “Might worked well in his final fast gallop in training and the way he recovered from it indicates that, although on debut, he will see out the 1300 metres.” Sam Spratt will ride and following on from his stablemate has also drawn the outside barrier of 9.
“He is up against race winners and more experienced horses and whilst his draw makes it tough, he is very well going into the race and look for him to be getting home late.”
McKee Racing is on a great run with Group 1 mare Consensus fittingly winning the Group 2 Sunline Stakes at Moonee Valley last Friday and Hasabro breaking his maiden status in style at Tauranga last Saturday.