Few trainers are as closely tied to Cranbourne as Ken and Kasey Keys, and this weekend they hope to add another hometown trophy to their growing list of achievements.
Keys already boasts two victories in the Listed Cranbourne Cup — with Blue Collar Jack in 2006 and Boom ‘N’ Zoom in 2011 — and this year the father–daughter team is relying on Scheelite to chase a third.
But Scheelite’s participation is not guaranteed. He is currently 24th in the order of entry for the $500,000 event, which is capped at 16 starters plus four emergencies.
Should he miss a start, the stable has a suitable alternative lined up in Sunday’s $200,000 Kilmore Cup (1600m).
The Keys team timed Scheelite’s preparation specifically with the Cranbourne Cup in mind and would relish the opportunity to take the trophy home again.
“It would be the ultimate really,” Keys said.
“It would be pretty special to win a third. It’s a little ambition and this has been the home track for ever.
“But it’s getting tough to get into this race now and if he doesn’t get in, we’ll go to Kilmore on Sunday.”
Scheelite has tested the patience of his trainers over the years. After winning his first two starts as a juvenile, he progressed to the major three-year-old events — finishing seventh in the Caulfield Guineas and 11th in the Coolmore Stud Stakes.
Subsequent campaigns were inconsistent, prompting his gelding, after which he bounced back to win at Bendigo earlier this year.
He later finished runner-up to Pride Of Jenni in the Anniversary Vase and wrapped his prep with a respectable fifth in Adelaide.
His two runs this spring have been encouraging — sixth at Caulfield and then a strong second in the Peninsula Cup at Mornington.
“I’m really happy with how he is going,” Keys said.
“The other day at Mornington, it’s probably one that got away. He got to the front, and then he probably took a bit of a break.
“We’re hoping he gets in (on Saturday) and can give it a shake.”
Jordan Childs is booked to ride if he secures a slot.
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