by Jonny Turner
The Brent and Tim White stable rolled out another promising two-year-old at Addington on Friday night in Keto.
The pacer impressed when both staying and sprinting to victory in his debut for driver Kimberly Butt.
In making such a comprehensive first up win, Keto joins Shards Matrix and Commander Joe among an exciting two-year-old contingent the White stable have to aim at feature racing later in the year.
“It is quite exciting with Shards Matrix and Commander Joe coming through, plus we will have Bluto, Lone Wolf and Got You Covered back at the trials this week,” Tim White said.
Keto is raced by prominent North American owners Marc Hanover and Gordon Banks who have formed a new association with the White stable.
White said there was initially a plan to get Keto up and going to be sold, but that plan could change with the improvement the horse had been making.
“We have a pretty good association with Nathan (Purdon) and he suggested the owners try the horse with us.”
“And were lucky enough that they did.”
“We worked him for a month and we had to chase him to get him going and we have learned with the Sweet Lous that if you do that they have probably had enough.”
“So, he came down to my place for six weeks and he really strengthened up.”
“Initially the plan was to get him going and see if we could move him on, but we will see what Marc and Gordon want to do next.”
Keto showed speed and staying qualities in his victory, with the pacer sitting parked in the first lap before speeding off cover later in the race to score.
While he has all of the physical attributes required, the pacer still has plenty to learn.
“Kim and Sam (Ottley) have driven him in his trials and off the gate they’ve just been a passenger.”
“So I said to Kim don’t fight him, just go with him and you end up where you end up.”
“It wasn’t ideal early but once he got cover behind Magician it was good.”
“Kim said at the top of the straight he was always travelling like the winner.”
Keto is the first foal from Group One winning mare Utmost Delight.
