Proisir Filly Set for Australian Guineas Mission

Media Release - Monday February 13

Jockey Michael Dee has been booked for the plum ride on top class filly Legarto in next month’s Gr.1 Australian Guineas (1600m).

The Ken and Bev Kelso-trained three-year-old will trial this week at Cambridge and will venture across the Tasman for the March 4 Flemington assignment.

Jockey Michael Dee has been booked to ride Legarto in next month’s Gr.1 Australian Guineas (1600m). Photo: Trish Dunell

The winner of her first five starts, including the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), Legarto was defeated for the first time when fourth behind Prowess in the Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m) when enduring a troubled run from an inside draw.

New Zealand’s wet summer has forced Kelso’s hand to trial on the synthetic track at Cambridge this week, with Avondale’s turf trials postponed a week.

“I have no option but to trial on the synthetic but she has trialled there previously as a two-year-old,” Kelso said.

Advertisement

“She had a few days off after the Karaka Million and has been working up since. As long as she has a nice hitout and is finding the line okay I will be happy.

“She will have a trial and we also have the option of an exhibition gallop at Matamata plus a trip to Aussie so we won’t be far away.”

Rated an $8 chance for the Australian Guineas, Legarto will now clash with boom colt Jacquinot ($4.20), who won the Gr.1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) on protest against the older horses on Saturday. 

"He is the horse to beat for sure but it's hard to measure them up," Kelso said.

"I think she's got a lot of ability and she deserves a crack at it.

"She's won her Group One in New Zealand, so if she could run top three over there, it would greatly advance her value.

"We're pleased to book Michael as he's riding in great form and he's ridden well for us in the past on Levante."

Dee is enjoying his best season in Australia after moving across from New Zealand about eight years ago when an apprentice. Last spring, he won the Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) aboard Durston and is currently equal fifth on the Melbourne jockeys' premiership with 22 wins.

Kelso said no plans have been made for further racing in Australian this autumn for Legarto, but he is aware a win or even a placing might be enough to earn a wildcard into the A$5 million All-Star Mile two weeks later at The Valley.

"We want to come back in the spring with her so we might just have the one run, but we'll see where it (Guineas) takes us," he said.

Meanwhile, triple Group One winning stablemate Levante is likely to push on to the Gr.1 El Cheapo Cars WFA Classic (1600m) at Otaki after a game run for third in Saturday’s Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa.

“She is going to Otaki, weather permitting,” Kelso said.

“She found the ground a bit hard on Saturday and I think she is looking for a mile. We will go to Otaki and then make a call after that.

“It was a terrific run on Saturday. She got back and got interfered with by the riderless horse (Mustang Valley). She found the line well again and she tries her heart out.” – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Stakes Goals Now For Promising Pride Of Dubai Filly
Promising Pride Of Dubai filly Sun ‘N’ Sand will tackle stakes grade at her next start after winning the Casino Canberra Canberra Guineas Preview at Canberra on Friday.
Can Lightning Strike Twice for Legarto?
Ken Kelso is hoping lightning might strike twice when Legarto makes her second start at Flemington in Saturday’s Gr.1 Australian Cup (2000m).
Star Proisir Mare Legarto Wins G1 Herbie Dyke
Matamata trainers Ken and Bev Kelso have long believed Legarto had the potential to excel over 2000m, and their stable star proved them right on Saturday with a sparkling performance in the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa.
Aussie So You Think Raider Kicks Of NZ Derby Tilt on Saturday
Expatriate Kiwi trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young are hoping for a case of third time lucky with their staying three-year-old Thedoctoroflove.
Breeders Cup Turf Mile Winner To Stand At Yulong In 2025
Yulong is delighted to announce the acquisition of G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf Mile winner More Than Looks, who will join their Victorian roster in 2025.
Bargain Hellbent Filly Heading For Black Type
Legendary trainer Les Bridge can make something special out of a horse and will likely tackle stakes grade with his up and coming bargain Hellbent filly Scintilla after making it three in a row on Wednesday.
Long Awaited Return for Legarto
Multiple Group One winner Legarto will make her long-awaited return to racing when she heads to her home track at Matamata on Saturday to contest the Listed Lisa Chittick Champagne Stakes (1400m).
Legarto All Class In Lisa Chittick
After 322 days off the scene, triple Group One winner Legarto made a triumphant return to racing in Saturday’s Listed Lisa Chittick Champagne Stakes (1400m) at Matamata.
Star mares confirmed among early entries for Chairman's Sale
Entries for the 2025 Inglis Chairman’s Sale – a world class boutique auction for elite breeding stock – are now open.
About Time Chasing G3 Avondale Cup - Half-Brother for Inglis Easter
The Lance Noble-trained About Time will be rewarded for her consistent run of form with a tilt at stakes level for the first time in more than a year when she heads to Ellerslie on Saturday.