Two-year-old colt Kurtley who makes his debut at Gunnedah on Monday, is described by trainer Leon Davies as bombproof.
Kurtley tackles the Royal Hotel Manilla Maiden Plate (1000m).
Tamworth-based Davies makes no secret he has an opinion of the son of Dane Shadow. The trainer rarely races juveniles but says Kurtley is an exception.
“Normally I prefer to give my horses time but right from day one Kurtley showed he was going to be an early two-year-old,” Davies said.
“He was broken in by Peter Mills at Quirindi who did a brilliant job with him. He was well educated.
“This is his third preparation. I’ve just spaced what he’s done, brought him up slowly.
“This time up he’s probably been in work 12 to 13 weeks and has handled everything perfectly.
“I haven’t over-taxed him but he just keeps showing ability. He’s bombproof.”
Kurtley’s breeder Tim Henderson formed a syndicate to race the colt out of the Vettori mare, Blue Lyric.
Kurtley trialled over 1000m at Tamworth on December 20, winning by a long neck with race jockey Kody Nestor aboard.
“The time (1.01.51) wasn’t flash but I wouldn’t take too much notice of that,” Davies said.
“Kody allowed him to amble outside the leader and only gave him a little kick near the post.
“He’s really come on since the trial. He hasn’t left a grain.
“It’s all positive heading into tomorrow.”
Davies described Kurtley as not overly big but very athletic.
“He’s well put together, a lovely horse to have in the stable,” he said.
“There’s been no sign of coltish behaviour. I’ve worked him with fillies.
“The education he’ll get tomorrow will be a bonus. There are a couple there like Kris Lees filly (The Last Shot) who won a trial at Newcastle and Greg Ryan’s mount (Bennys Baby) that go all right but I’d be disappointed if Kurtley didn’t run well.
AAP TURF
