27 November 2020 | Chris Barsby
Who is Kensington Bill?
That’s a question on everyone’s mind following the barrier draw for the $21,270 AQWA Constructions Members Cup at Albion Park tomorrow night, the opening night of the Queensland Summer Carnival.
The metropolitan club will host three excellent nights of racing with a plethora of features scheduled, naturally, it’s attracted plenty of talent.
And Kensington Bill fits that bill.
The former New Zealand pacer has been deliberately aimed at the carnival features and this weekend marks his first local start for new trainer Narissa McMullen.
Previously prepared by leading horseman Robert Dunn, the Art Major four-year-old was secured by clients of the McMullen stable on good advice.
Kensington Bill has landed the crucial inside draw in the 2138m mobile start feature and creates plenty of intrigue with Matt Elkins booked to drive.
Elkins took the drive in a public trial last week at Albion Park when he finished second behind his stablemate The Fortunate Son in a scorching time of 1:52.7 for the 1660m workout.
“He gave me a really nice feel, we got beat about 16m, but the winner is a particularly good front-runner and carried more residual fitness than my guy, so it explains a lot. He went there to have a solid hit-out and got everything we expected.” Elkins said.
TAB have Kensington Bill listed as a $3.50 chance with stablemate Colby the punters elect at $2.80.
Colby is drawn directly behind Kensington Bill and McMullen has opted for the last start winner in preference while partner Elkins takes the lines on the new import.
“Both horses should give a great account of themselves, I know the 4yo Championship next week is another potential target, but this weekend will tell us more. He has come out of the trial well and his work this week has been sharp.
“His form is really solid, placed behind Its All About Faith last start and he’s a Gr.1 winner since while he beat Cheezel two starts ago and that mare won during Cup week at Addington.
“I don’t think it was an easy choice for Narissa to make but I’m more than happy to get the drive behind Bill, he’s going to do a really nice job here.”
The McMullen stable is also represented by another last start winner in It Aint The Money, former South Australian pacer that is currently thriving under the Queensland system.
Nathan Dawson has been booked to drive.
Other key runners in the event include Virgil, Major Fernco, Straddie and Always A Secret.
Last year, the Members Cup was won by star pacer Governor Jujon.
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