Adelaide filly La Pomme De Pin is on target to make her mark in the Magic Millions 2YO Clockwise Classic at Ballarat after having her credentials enhanced by the result of the Merson Cooper Stakes at Sandown.
La Pomme De Pin made her debut in a 1000m-race for two-year-olds in Adelaide last month and shot clear in the straight only to be chased down by Long Leaf.
The Lindsay Park-trained colt confirmed the form by winning the Listed Merson Cooper on Saturday.
La Pomme De Pin has been to Ballarat since her debut to win a jump-out in the clockwise direction last week ahead of Saturday’s $200,000 Magic Millions 2YO Clockwise Classic over 1000m which has 20 nominations.
“She ran a really, really good race on debut and looked home for all money and got nailed on the line by obviously a pretty promising colt,” Kennewell said.
“She has taken good benefit out of that. She had only had one jump-out leading into that race, so she’s come on in leaps and bounds since.”
La Pomme De Pin has stayed in Victoria since her jump-out at Ballarat last Tuesday.
Apprentice Zac Spain, who was indentured to Kennewell in Adelaide before joining Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young at Cranbourne in Victoria on loan, went to Flemington to gallop the filly in her final piece of work on Monday.
“He said she worked really well and felt terrific,” Kennewell said.
Joe Bowditch takes the ride on Saturday.
“We gave her one gallop the reverse way before she went over to Ballarat for the trial and she galloped well,” Kennewell said.
“Joe Bowditch rode her in that gallop and then went over to ride her in the jump-out and said she took great benefit from the trial as well.
“It’s full steam ahead for Saturday and hopefully she’s the one to beat.”
Kennewell plans to have three runners at the meeting with Senor Gaudi in the Magic Millions 3&4YO Classic (1100m) while Via Balciano is nominated for an 1100m benchmark 70.
Kennewell said both were promising horses with Senor Gaudi winning two of his three starts, while Via Balciano has a win and close second from two starts.
