Round two: Kiwi Legend v Beaudiene Boaz
Trainer Mike Reed will start ace youngster Kiwi Legend in Thursday night’s Western Gateway Pace (2536m) at Gloucester Park, setting up a return clash with WA Derby rival Beaudiene Boaz.
New Zealand import Kiwi Legend impressively won a derby prelude (2130m) in his Perth debut last Friday as odds-on favourite Beaudiene Boaz ran eighth after breaking gait at the 600m.
“We considered not starting Kiwi Legend again until Friday week,” Reed said.
“But he’s pulled up extra well from the prelude and is ready to tackle the Western Gateway.
“He’s benefited from the prelude, which was his first race in seven weeks. He should be at his peak in the derby on April 17.”
Reed bought Kiwi Legend on behalf of Perth owners Albert and Julie Walmsley after he won his first two starts.
“He was purchased mainly as a long-term Inter Dominion hope,” Reed said. “However, the horse looks a top derby prospect.”
Beaudiene Boaz was making a bid for his eighth consecutive win when he faltered in the prelude.
“It was a hiccup which has not affected his campaign,” trainer Gary Hall said.
“We’re still heading for the derby. He gets his chance to bounce back in the Gateway.”
Starlight Brigade, who won a Byford trial by 12m for Hall on Sunday, could be a surprise derby runner. The gelding won two of four New Zealand starts.
“He’ll make his WA race debut on Friday week,” Hall said.
“Starlight Brigade is showing a lot of ability and we’ll decide on a derby start after his first race here.”
Melbourne winners Cenosilocophobia and Magnificent Art have joined Hall’s stable and will have their first WA starts on Thursday night.
Former WA pacer Polak has won his first two American starts at Yonkers Raceway.
