Racing: Cup a breeze after the Diva

Ken Kelso might be producing the favourite Envoy into today's $250,000 Wellington Cup but you won't detect any nerves.

Lining up today is a breeze compared to preparing to take on Makybe Diva in last year's Melbourne Cup.

Kelso went through hell when just about everyone ridiculed him for having Envoy in the Melbourne Cup.

The Matamata trainer had faith in his horse, but was horrified when Australian television comments man Alf Mathews declared Envoy had no place in the field.

"It was pretty tough paying the final acceptance fee of A$32,000 the night before the race then returning to your hotel to hear that you shouldn't be in the race."

Kelso had the last say when Envoy was challenging for third halfway up the home straight and finished seventh, picking up the A$110,000 for horses finishing sixth to 10th.

Going into a $250,000 New Zealand race this afternoon is a lot more relaxing - particularly when your horse showed it was right at the top of its form with a weight-for-age win a week out from the Cup.

As narrow as the margin was, there was a lot to like about Envoy's Trentham Stakes victory last Saturday. It impressed rider Grant Cooksley.

As a proven 3200m exponent - his Melbourne Cup effort was superb, a career best - Envoy deserves to be favourite today, even if only narrowly from New Zealand Cup winner Trebla and last year's Wellington Cup winner Zabeat.

Don't worry about Envoy's wide barrier - Kelso isn't and neither is Cooksley.

You have to include each of those horses in all multiple bets and there is a strong sense that a roughie will lodge itself somewhere into this trifecta.

It might be a mistake, but I'm prepared to bet against Viz Vitae with 58kg. He's a horse I like, but I'm not with him today, even though I wouldn't be shocked if he won.

Lord Asterix and Sing In The Sun are the two question mark runners. Neither has run 3200m, but both, particularly Lord Asterix, suggest they might.

There was a lot to like about Lord Asterix's second to Viz Vitae at Manawatu last start. He looked a touch unlucky to be beaten only a long neck and meets Viz Vitae 1kg better.

Sing In The Sun has shown a touch of class at times and looks in wonderful condition for Tony Devcich. Lisa Allpress job is to find the mare a quiet run behind them, which won't be all that easy from a wide gate. Medit King's chances are somewhat diminished by his extreme outside barrier, but he is the right type for this race.

The race is possibly not as easy as it first looks, but it's difficult to get Makybe Diva's Melbourne Cup out of your mind.

Thorndon Miles are difficult punting races - how many times have we seen five or six horses flash over the line locked together, but I'm very strong on Alonzo.

Run the Ellerslie equivalent, the Rich Hill Mile, 10 times again and Alonzo would win six of them. He covered a lot of extra ground, helped beat himself with greenness and was still only half a length away in fourth place after being caught inside the last 60m.

The big open spaces of Trentham are going to suit and if Michael Coleman can find a more economical run this time, he'll be giving them plenty to think about late in the race.

If there is a scratching and the first emergency Sir Slick gets back in the field, Alonzo, and quite a few others will be better suited. Without Sir Slick there is not a lot of pace in the field and there is the potential for the runners to pack up tight, which will count against the big, long striders.

Hurrah was the potential scratching when he developed an annoying girth rash during the week, but the camp yesterday was extremely confident the South Islander would make the start.

The step back up to 1600m is a big assist for Rockabubble. She is fitter for three races this campaign and was unlucky at Avondale last week, getting clear late and hitting the line very strongly. She is a group one winner at the 1600m distance and is suited by the style of this race.

King Of Ashford, Leigh Valley, Snazzy, OBorio, Julinsky Princess and La Sizeranne are all major threats with the right luck in a race that can be notorious for throwing up hard luck stories.

The scratching of Seachange from the Desert Gold Stakes is a major disappointment for the connections and the Wellington Racing Club, but a boon for the likes of Pulcinella and Legs. Pulcinella had to take second money to Shikoba in two group starts at the Ellerslie carnival and gets her chance today. She is high class and will be better for the gap between races after being asked to back up for the first time at Ellerslie.

The 58kg Legs had to lump at Awapuni last start did her no favours, but she shouldered it well to finish strongly to be beaten only a neck by Out Of Align. Back to level weights this time and stepping back up to 1600m puts her in with a strong challenge. Her winning run two starts back was the effort of a filly going places. The rest of the field look very even.

If Manten (No2, R2) can back up from last week's tough run in the Telegraph he is going to take a whole lot of beating. He covered extra ground from a wide barrier, loomed up to win and although he could not continue in the last 200m, it was still a strong effort. This field is lengths easier. Figurinit (No1) is a chance despite the 59kg topweight. He fought strongly for a close third at Te Rapa after haring off in front in his first run from a break then faded when backed up a week later at Awapuni, but was clearly feeling the effects of his hard first-upper. It was no surprise to see him wilt after being taken on in front in the Rich Hill Mile at Ellerslie on January 1 and he looks much better placed in PQ grade today. Mi Jubilee (No3) faded in the Telegraph, but she is more likely to be able to get her favoured lead on her own this time and could be more difficult to pull back.

Young Centaur (No16, R3) finished only ninth at Ellerslie last start, but it was not a bad effort. It was also his first middle distance race which can trap a few. His winning run at Manawatu two starts back was classy and threw up the pointer that he is yet another of those sired by Melbourne Cup winner Jeune that appreciate some give in the footing. There should be just a little of that for these early races today and that will help greatly. He should be at respectable odds. Paixanito (No5) and Cape Rose (No2) are chances.

Its difficult to say Sarvon (No1, R4) was disappointing when a handy third last week, but she did appear to have every chance. She normally gets to the line strongly and the step up to 1600m today might help. This is a tough race. Stylish debut winner Wishing (No12) can do it again.

Willy Smith (No11, R6) is a great chance on form. He got no favours in the final of the Dunstan Championship at Ellerslie, covering ground then making lengths on them under 58kg to be only 3.75 lengths from impressive winner Pentane. The 2400m on a roomy track like Trentham is perfect. He stands out in this line-up in a 2400m race that suits perfectly.

If there is any remaining give in the footing it will certainly help Waikeepadacash (No9, R8). He ran on strongly over 1200m behind Wazawatsyn on the first day and looks perfectly suited to the step up to 1400m today. The wide barrier draw is no help and will require a bit of Grant Cooksley magic. If he can find that Waikeepadacash can win. Laoghaire (No1) and fresh runner Scrutineer (No12) are dangers.

A fresh runner at the meeting, Mikki Street (No4, R10) looks well placed. He was only 1.6 lengths behind Kristov at Awapuni last start terrific form for a R94 grade race. The fact he comes in fresh is to his advantage.

If Mikki Street misses then it becomes a tricky race for the last leg of a $200,000 Pick6.

Avegas (No8), Ala Moana (No12) and topweight Dubai Traveller (No1) are hard to leave out.

Pulcinella (R5), Willy Smith (R6) are probably the best anchor Pick6 chances followed by Mikki Street.


Keeninsky to be retired

Dual group one winner Keeninsky is to be retired to stud.

Keeninsky's future is now as a sire at the Waikato property of The Oaks Stud, owned by the horse's Queensland part-owner Dick Karreman.

The Stravinsky 4-year-old's group one wins were in the Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes and last season's Telegraph Handicap (1200m) at Trentham.

And a hoof problem could end the New Zealand Oaks campaign of star filly Seachange who has been scratched from today's Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) at Trentham.

The hoof problem was discovered on Thursday night. Although the injury could prove to be minor it was decided it would be unwise to transport her from Waikato to Wellington.