Destiny's Kiss is set to run in Saturday's Lord Mayor's Cup
Destiny’s Kiss has never shirked his workload and will continue his preparation towards the Queensland winter carnival on a quick turnaround when he runs at Rosehill.
Trainer Joe Pride has no qualms backing the Nick Moraitis-owned nine-year-old up in Saturday’s Listed Lord Mayor’s Cup (2000m), seven days after the Hawkesbury Cup.
Although he ran 10th of the 11 runners in Saturday’s Group Three race, Pride was more than happy with his effort to finish within five lengths of the winner Kingsguard.
“I thought he ran well on Saturday. He hasn’t really been effective over 1600 metres for several years,” Pride said.
“I had a look at the program leading up to the Brisbane Cup and the Lord Mayor’s Cup fits in well.
“It gives him three weeks to the McKell Cup over 2400 metres and then two weeks to the Brisbane Cup over 2200.
“He’s a sound horse and happy horse and this is a good race for him.
“He would probably prefer a softer track but it doesn’t look like the rain is going to stick around all week.”
Destiny’s Kiss and the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Hawkesbury Cup runner-up Ecuador are the two highest rated among the 10 entries taken on Monday at 106.
Nettoyer and Violate, both rated on 88, are also among the entries for the Group Two Hollindale Stakes (1800m) at the Gold Coast on Saturday.
Trainer Wendy Roche is also keen to get Nettoyer to the Brisbane Cup but believes the mare needs to boost her rating to be assured of a start.
Nettoyer has only won one of her nine starts but her four placings include two at Group Three level.
She ran third behind The Pinnacle and Domed in the Epona Stakes (1900m) on March 24 and at her most recent start was second to Tally in the JRA Plate (2000m) on April 21.
