Kersley Praises Strong Stayers
2 March, 2018
Thoroughbred
Hall Of Fame trainer Fred Kersley has high hopes for staying pair Sandalwood and Cappo D’Oro ahead of tomorrow’s Schweppes Handicap (2200m) at Ascot.
Sandalwood has won two of his four starts this campaign, including a dominant win at Pinjarra on Magic Millions Day where he defeated At The Ready by two lengths.
Sandalwood meets At The Ready slightly worse at the weights tomorrow, but the TABtouch market suggests he will be too strong again, where he has been installed a $2.35 favourite over At The Ready ($2.70).
Kersley said the margin made Sandalwood’s win look better than it was at Pinjarra, but was confident he would be able to make it three wins from his last four starts tomorrow.
“I couldn’t be happier with him,” he told TABradio’s The Sports Daily.
“It was probably a bit flattering to him the margin he won by.
“He was asked the question at the half mile and came off the bit.
“His work since then has been very good.”
The son of Rogano steps up to the 2200m for the first time tomorrow, while both Cappo D’Oro and At The Ready have both won at 2200m and beyond.
Cappo D’Oro was also an impressive winner last start over 2150m, and drops back in class tomorrow, but has an extra 4kg to carry.
The five-year-old is a $6.50 chance with TABtouch, but Kersley said he was surprised at the discrepancy between the two in the market.
“They work together these two horses, and there is not a lot between them,” he said.
“He shouldn’t be underestimated Cappo D’Oro.
“I think he will give a good account of himself.”
Kersley will unveil Helmet gelding Onya Head in the TABtouch Plate (1100m) for the two-year-olds tomorrow, where he jumps from barrier two.
Onya Head has had four trials prior to his debut, including one at Belmont over 1000m in November where he defeated subsequent Crystal Slipper winner Nocelle.
Kersley said Onya Head, a $6 chance on TABtouch, was capable of a debut win.
“It is a step up for him against horses that have raced quite well,” he said.
“I expect a forward showing, I like the horse.
“He can win, but there’s a couple of others that can win as well.”
Tim Walker