Shoshone is rated only a 78 horse but she looks a true open sprinter on winter tracks, with all four of her wins coming on soft or heavy, her ability to handle the wet shared by so many of the stock of her late sire Sacred Falls.
She was impressive when second fresh-up at Te Rapa three starts ago, probably not suited by the firmer track at Ellerslie her next start and didn't cop the 1400m last time, but she appears to find herself in her sweet spot tomorrow.
That and the fact she has premiership winner Danielle Johnson in the saddle from barrier two, which should enable her to stay handy and dictate her own line on the winter track, suggests she is a great each-way bet after opening at $5.50.
Still, it is a quality field for a winter sprint with Central Districts visitor Justaskme able, Dawn Patrol proven at far higher levels, Crystallize ideally suited by tomorrow's conditions and Palm Springs on a steep improvement curve.
The Kelsos also have two each-way chances in the last race on the card in Henry Hudson and Diamond Delight.
"Henry Hudson is dropping back from 2100m to 1400m and the question will be whether we have been able to freshen him up enough for that," says the trainer.
"So while they are both chances I think Diamond Delight might be our better chance.
"She was impressive winning two starts ago and then a good fifth in a strong three-year-old race here last start."
Meanwhile, the Kelso's stable star Levante is still spelling but due back in work soon.
"With the way the tracks can be here in the spring we are in no rush to get her back because we won't be aiming at the Foxbridge or the Hawke's Bay Triple Crown.
"Her targets will be after that and we will see how she comes up before we start discussing things like an Australian campaign."
