Kentucky Chases Group Glory

Kentucky Breeze made it back-to-back wins at The Valley when he outclassed Al Galayel and King Of Leogrance in Saturday's Powerflo Solutions Handicap (2040m). His trainer Levi Kavanagh is happy with the progression this preparation and plans to step up to Group level for his next run.

“He really knuckled down late to be strong to the line again. The race almost played out exactly like it did the run prior and I could not have been happier with his run. It was also a great ride from Jamie Kah who was very happy to be back on board him again,” said Levi.

The JRA Cup and the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes will form the first part of Levi’s ambitious spring plan for the flying Kentucky Breeze.

“He pulled up really well and at this stage I see no reason for not pushing on and sticking with the plan for his next few runs.”

“Assuming everything will stay well with him over the next few weeks, we will look to race in the JRA Cup at Moonee Valley on Grand Final Eve. The JRA Cup is a Group 3 race over 2040m on the first Friday night meeting for the season and should suit him well after his recent performance at that track and distance.”

“Once again, should he perform well and pull up in good order, then I may be tempted to back him up the week later in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes over 2000m at Flemington. We have seen this preparation that he does handle a back-up and his home track is certainly a favourite of his.”

“This may be an ambitious plan to shoot for a Group 1 race with a horse that was only rated in the 70s early this campaign. However, he is currently in his best form ever and has made excellent improvement from each run.”

The winner of the Turnbull Stakes earns a ballot free entry to the Caulfield Cup (2400m) and the son of Pierro has been nominated.

“Kentucky Breeze would need to win the Turnbull to warrant a tilt at this year's (Caulfield) Cup. I will take it race by race at this stage and see how we go.”