Some strong form references over the summer have John O’Shea excited about the future for up-and-coming stayer Kirwan’s Lane (NZ) (Charm Spirit).
The four-year-old kicks off his latest campaign in the Blakes Marine Benchmark 78 Handicap (1500m) at Hawkesbury on Saturday as a stepping stone to the Scone Cup (1600m) on May 14.
It comes off the back of a strong preparation which included a victory over Mark Newnham’s subsequent Summer and January Cups winner Spirit Ridge (Nathaniel), who went on to finish fifth to Sir Dragonet (Camelot) at Group 1 level over the autumn.
He was also a creditable sixth to Paradee (Epaulette) at the Gold Coast Magic Millions carnival, that horse going on to win a Group Two race and finish fourth in the Australian Cup.
“He’s got very good form. He beat Mark’s horse that went on and won those two staying races over the summer, then he went to the Gold Coast and ran into Paradee, who subsequently won the Peter Young Stakes and ran in the Australian Cup,” O’Shea said.
“We’re pretty happy with him. He will resume at Hawkesbury and then go to the Scone Cup.”
Kirwan’s Lane will be partnered by apprentice Campbell Rawiller, who will be up against his dad Nash on the Chris Waller-trained Archanna (Sntizel).
The gelding will be one of five Hawkesbury runners for the in-form O’Shea as he looks to continue his momentum after producing a treble of Randwick winners on the final day of the Sydney autumn carnival last weekend.