15 February 2019 | Paul Courts
TALENTED filly Kitsilano has a prime opportunity to rectify her previous interstate trip when she heads to Tabcorp Park Melton tonight.
Taken across the border for last season’s Vicbred Super Series, the South Australian trotter enjoyed little luck throughout the campaign.
After running a handy fourth in her heat, Kitsilano experienced a horrid time leading into the Final.
“Last time she didn’t travel well, had just gotten over a cold, and everything went wrong,” trainer Greg Rogers said.
“For the Final we had trouble with the float, so she was on the road longer than expected and I think she’d had enough for the day by the time she raced.”
This time around the daughter of Armbro Variable is in sensational form and has enjoyed a smooth trip over the border.
Successful at her last three starts – at an average of 17 metres – Kitsilano boasts eight wins and two seconds from 12 outings.
“I couldn’t be happier with her condition going into tonight,” Rogers said. “She has been working well since her run a fortnight ago and is ready to run a big race.”
Drawn barrier three, the squaregaiter slots into two with the removal of the emergency, which should see Rogers’ son, Ken, utilise Kitsilanos gate speed.
“She’s got a bit of speed about her, so we will be going forward,” Rogers said. “On paper the two on the back line appear to be the biggest threats, so hopefully she does everything right and can stay in front of them.”
Kitsilano’s interstate trek will be a hit-and-run mission, with Ken booked to drive in each race at Port Pirie tomorrow night.
Among the popular reinsman’s chances is promising pacer Backwards, which was too good for his rivals at Globe Derby last weekend.
Triumphant at four of his eight starts, the Leah Harvey-trained son of Village Jolt is expected to have little trouble continuing his winning form from barrier four.
“He’s a nice horse on the way up,” Ken said. “Leah has been very patient and taken her time with him and should keep getting rewarded for that.
“He is a four-year-old which has had less than 10 starts but has plenty of ability.
“I can’t speak highly enough of him or the job Leah has done with him. I’ve got no doubt he can get through the grades over here.”
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