Narromine trainer Kylie Kennedy admits to being a tad nervous prior to saddling up new stable acquisition Amphibious at Wellington on Saturday.
The four-year-old gelding is part-owned by former jockey turned successful Randwick trainer Craig Carmody.
“It’s a bit nerve-racking training a horse for another trainer and part-owner,” Kennedy said.
“Hopefully he can win for Craig and the other owners.”
Amphibious tackles the Carinya B&B Class 1 Hcp (1700m) at his first start under Kennedy.
“I’ve never met Craig but I think Tracey Bartley recommended me to him,” Kennedy said.
“The horse was transferred to me after racing at Orange last start.
“He’s BOBS Extra-qualified and I think Craig and the owners felt there was a better chance of picking up some races out our way rather than Sydney and the provincials.
“I’ve had him just under two weeks. He’s settled in really well.
“Craig warned me about one thing – don’t let him eat too much and get fat. He will eat anything you put in front of him.
“I’ve had to watch him.”
Amphibious, by Arena, has one win and 11 placings from 25 starts.
The gelding put the writing on the wall last start when 1-1/2-lengths second to Flight To Quality over 1600m at Orange on January 7, running on late to make up good ground.
“At Orange he didn’t have enough early speed to be up there early but he flew home,” Kennedy said.
“Hopefully he can be ridden a bit handier tomorrow. You don’t want to get too far back at Wellington.
“While he’s lazy, you have to get stuck into him on the track, he hasn’t put a foot wrong.
“He galloped really good on Tuesday. He’s very fit.
“I’m very happy with him.
Amphibious will be ridden by four-kilogram claimer Sachio Shimizu, indentured to Les Bridge in Sydney.
AAP TURF
