Kuro has vindicated his trainer's faith after 18 months without winning
More than 18 months after his last win, Kuro has vindicated his trainer’s faith with victory in the Listed Starlight Stakes at Rosehill.
Placed in Group One races as a three and four-year-old, the sprinter’s last win before Saturday was in May last year when he won the Listed Mick Dittman in Brisbane.
Shortly after he was transferred to Lee and Anthony Freedman in Victoria but his best effort in six starts was a third place at Caulfield and he returned to Joe Pride at Wariwck Farm.
Pride admitted he thought about scratching him from the 1200m sprint at Rosehill because of Kuro’s wide barrier (10) .
“I was nearly ready to scratch because of the barrier,” Pride said.
“I’m glad I didn’t. It’s taken a long time and it’s so good to see him back.
“He’s a very talented horse. I’ve got no grand plans for him but it’s jut great to see him do that today.”
Jay Ford had Kuro ($7.50) just behind the race leaders and made his winning run in the final 200 metres to outgun race favourite Nierta ($3.80) by three-quarters of a length.
Princefamous ($7.50) ran an even race to finish another half length away third.
Ford said Kuro was enjoying his racing.
“He’s obviously in a happy place and it was a solid effort,” he said.
“He’s always shown ability and he responded well.”
Nieta’s rider Josh Parr said the mare had run well in her first foray into stakes company.
“It was a terrific effort and she tried really well,” Parr said.
“The winner just had a softer time.”
