Trainer Michael Hickmott believes the connections of Promises Kept may be in for an enjoyable few weeks as the gelding readies for two Victorian staying features.

The former Eurell and Maher galloper heads to Saturday’s Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) and may continue to the Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m) the following weekend.

Promises Kept has had two runs since transferring to Hickmott, finishing sixth first-up in the Listed Murray Bridge Cup (1600m) before a fifth-place effort behind Air Assault in the Listed John Letts Stakes (1800m).

“He was always going to need the run first-up,” Hickmott said.

“I thought his first-up run was a pass mark then his next run was clearly dominated by on-pacers.

“His sectionals, right up until the 200-metre mark, were everything as good as anything in the race, but he flattened out in the last furlong.

“Up to the 2000 metres suits better and we’re looking at running him in this and then back-up into the Pakenham Cup with him.”

Under Maher last preparation, Promises Kept won at Hobart over 2200m and then finished runner-up in both the Hobart Cup and Launceston Cup.

He later contested the 3200m Adelaide Cup but trailed the field.

Hickmott says all focus remains on the next two starts.

“He’s a lovely old horse that is in the zone, he’s sound, moving good, he looks fantastic and his work has been good, but it is a very good race on Saturday,” he said.

Hickmott will also run Party Crasher at Ballarat in the Hertz Handicap (2000m).

Party Crasher was a strong winner over 2000m at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day.

“He’s a progressive horse and comes into this race as the most inexperienced horse in the field, but he’s on the way up,” Hickmott said.

“He did a fantastic job at Flemington, and I was really proud of the horse.

“He’s continued to thrive since and I expect him to be really competitive in what is a strong race.”

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