Saint Kitt
Race Images Palmerston North
A lack of opportunities closer to home has resulted in Kelly Burne chasing southern prizes with her under-rated stayer Saint Kitt.
"There wasn't anything for him on the last two days at Hawke's Bay and there are some nice options for him down here," the Hastings trainer said.
"He's also prefers it on top of the ground, he doesn't like being bogged down as he's a long-striding horse."
Saint Kitt has made two appearances following a lengthy break to now be approaching peak fitness and he will also be better-suited to the 2000 metres of the Waimakariri Businesses North Canterbury Cup at Riccarton on Saturday.
"He had eight months off before his first start at Hawke's Bay over 1400 metres and over 1800 metres at Riccarton the other day he was a bit fresh and over-raced a touch," said Burne, who also co-owns the Keeper gelding.
"If he can get a thick end of the cheque then we'll look at the Listed race at Riccarton next month.
She was referring to the Christchurch Casino Classic on October 23 for Saint Kitt, who will be ridden on Saturday by former Burne employee Lee Callaway.
While the gelding has won only four races, he has performed with distinction in strong company during his career.
"He should probably be a six win horse, he's had a bit of bad luck and he's finished close up behind some very good horses," Burne said.
Fourth in Habibi's Gr.1 NZ Derby as a three-year-old, Saint Kitt finished sixth in Who Shot Thebarman's Gr.1 Auckland Cup and he was less than three lengths off Farm Boy in the Gr.2 Avondale Gold Cup. – NZ Racing Desk.
"There wasn't anything for him on the last two days at Hawke's Bay and there are some nice options for him down here," the Hastings trainer said.
"He's also prefers it on top of the ground, he doesn't like being bogged down as he's a long-striding horse."
Saint Kitt has made two appearances following a lengthy break to now be approaching peak fitness and he will also be better-suited to the 2000 metres of the Waimakariri Businesses North Canterbury Cup at Riccarton on Saturday.
"He had eight months off before his first start at Hawke's Bay over 1400 metres and over 1800 metres at Riccarton the other day he was a bit fresh and over-raced a touch," said Burne, who also co-owns the Keeper gelding.
"If he can get a thick end of the cheque then we'll look at the Listed race at Riccarton next month.
She was referring to the Christchurch Casino Classic on October 23 for Saint Kitt, who will be ridden on Saturday by former Burne employee Lee Callaway.
While the gelding has won only four races, he has performed with distinction in strong company during his career.
"He should probably be a six win horse, he's had a bit of bad luck and he's finished close up behind some very good horses," Burne said.
Fourth in Habibi's Gr.1 NZ Derby as a three-year-old, Saint Kitt finished sixth in Who Shot Thebarman's Gr.1 Auckland Cup and he was less than three lengths off Farm Boy in the Gr.2 Avondale Gold Cup. – NZ Racing Desk.