Matamata trainer Ken Kelso, in collaboration with his wife Bev, is drawing inspiration from turf legend Waverley Star as they ready their Group One-winning mare, Legarto, for the upcoming Listed Matamata Cup (1600m) on Saturday.
Kelso made the strategic decision to scratch Legarto from last Saturday’s Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) at Hastings due to concerns about the heavy track conditions.
Redirecting their focus to the Matamata Cup, Kelso expressed optimism, drawing parallels to Waverley Star’s triumph in the same race in 1986, leading up to the iconic ‘race of the century’ against Bonecrusher in the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m).
“I was told yesterday that DJ (trainer Dave O’Sullivan) had used this race as a lead-up to the Cox Plate, so we’re hoping it works out alright for us too,” Kelso revealed.
Reflecting on the significance of the Matamata Cup, Kelso noted that a victory for Legarto or key rival La Crique would make them the first established Group One winners to conquer the handicap.
Past winners like Waverley Star, Mickey’s Town, and Rodin went on to secure Group One victories after their Matamata Cup successes, emphasising the race’s historical importance.
Online bookmakers have installed Legarto as the -142.86 favourite, with La Crique at +500 and Aquacade at +750.
Despite being the favourite for the Arrowfield Stud Plate, Kelso stands by the decision to withdraw Legarto, citing the potential toll of a heavy track and the subsequent long journey home.
With the Simon and Katrina Alexander-trained La Crique carrying a benchmark 60kg in the Matamata Cup, Legarto enters the race with 58.5kg, positioning her favourably in the handicap.
Kelso sees this race as Legarto’s final preparation for the $A10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill on November 4.
“It’s all worked out really well. From this race, it’s four weeks to the Golden Eagle. She’ll be at home in the paddock an hour after the race, and she won’t have had that gutbuster like she would have if we’d run on Saturday,” Kelso explained.
“She’s very bright. She had a good hit-out on Tuesday morning on the course proper.
“We’re very happy with her. I thought her work leading up to Hawke’s Bay was excellent, and yesterday’s work on the course proper was very good, so she’s pretty right.”
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