by Paul Courts
IT’S tough, perhaps even unlikely, but not impossible…
That’s the call from trainer David Kemp ahead of Stars Of Courage’s title defence at Globe Derby on Saturday night.
Having captured last season’s Final, Stars Of Courage is among the leading contenders in his Southern Cross division.
“You don’t expect these things to be easy and he has his work cut out for him,” Kemp said. “He is in with a chance, but so are all of the others.
“They are all main dangers as they’ve made their way into the Final. Any of them only need to get the right run to win.”
Second in his heat after working hard in the ‘death seat’, the son of Courage Under Fire has drawn barrier five in the Group Two, but slots into four with the removal of the emergency.
To be driven by multiple Globe Derby premiership winner John Justice, Stars Of Courage is expected to be pushed forward in search of the lead.
“He wasn’t quite good enough last weekend, but very happy with his run,” Kemp said. “He did all the work, three wide into ‘death’ and winner came up the sprint.
“John was pleased with him and expects him to be a big chance. It is a good draw for him and he won’t be going back from there.”
Later in the evening Stars Of Courage’s half-sister – Rigaleto Pegasus – will contest the Two-Year-Old Fillies Final after also finishing second in her qualifier.
Also bred and part-owned by Kemp, the daughter of Village Jolt is prepared by the horseman’s brother-in-law, Ray Holberton.
“She did well to finish second on debut and will benefit from the run,” Kemp said. “She’s got the right draw to be in the mix in the Final.”
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