Durrant’s Belmont Gem
17 July, 2018
Thoroughbred
Adam Durrant is confident Kelly’s Gem provides him with his best chance of winning and extending his lead in the Trainers’ premiership at Belmont on Wednesday.
Durrant will saddle three runners including Electric Light and Cape Lady, but says Kelly’s Gem can rebound and return to victory in the Rentokil Initial Handicap (1200m).
Kelly’s Gem won over 1700m two starts back and according to Durrant ran an unlucky ninth to Mizlecki in last Saturday week’s Listed Belmont Oaks (2000m).
“I really like her and think she is my winner for the day,” Durrant told Tabradio.
“She was unlucky and a little bit stiff in the Oaks.
“It was a tricky run race and they sort of stopped-started.
“There was a bit of carnage and she got back in the wrong part of the track.
“She probably needs that little bit of room to wind into her race.
“I think that a wide draw and a bit of give in the track will be perfect.
“She will be given every opportunity to be a good thing if everything goes to plan which she should.
“Her work was winning work on Monday.”
Kelly’s Gem has drawn barrier eight. William Pike reclaims the ride.
Meanwhile Durrant says Electric Light can maintain her undefeated record in the Perth Racing Club Membership Handicap (1300m).
The Vital Equine filly is undefeated after she won a Northam maiden and followed up overhauling pacesetter Glascow Girl at Belmont.
“She is a good chance again and stepping up to unknown territory as far as distance wise,” Durrant said.
“On her last run she was really strong late, chased hard and I didn’t think she was going to run down that leader.
“But the last 100m was the best part of her race. She has trained on which is a pretty good sign she can handle the trip.
“The only concern is barrier 10 and the rise to 57.5kg.”
Cape Lady runs her third start back after almost a year out in the Rentokil Insurance Handicap (1200m).
Durrant says Cape Lady is on the improve after finishing runner-up to Another Story at Belmont three weeks ago.
“She is good and close to a win,” Durrant said.
“I probably erred running her without a trial.
“She probably needed that first-up run and has improved a hell of a lot.
“I think she will go really well.”
Julio Santarelli