Get The Nod will return to the races in the 2015 Redelva Stakes at Morphettville this weekend and trainer Lloyd Kennewell is hopeful that the talented gelding can progress to the 2015 Stradbroke Handicap during his winter campaign.
Get The Nod will start his winter campaign in the 2015 Redelva Stakes in Adelaide this weekend. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
Get The Nod stamped himself as a horse to follow when he recorded an impressive victory in the Group 3 Vain Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on August 16, but he failed to fire in the Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on September 13 and was sent to the spelling paddock after suffering a number of niggling injuries.
Kennewell told Racing Ahead that Get The Nod thrived during his stint in the paddock and he believes that the US Ranger gelding is ready for his return to racing after he recorded a most impressive win in a barrier trial over 900 metres at Murray Bridge on March 27.
“He has been going really well and I couldn’t be happier with him at this stage,” Kennewell said.
“He has basically had a really solid preparation and he has been in work for a long time.
“He had a really good break over the spring after just a few little things that were niggling at him and I just don’t think you can catch up in the spring if you have those things.
“Nothing was majorly wrong, time has fixed everything and he is low-flying.
“He trialed really well and I am really happy to see him kick-off on Saturday.
“He has come on even more and Joe (Bowditch) believes that he feels a lot more powerful underneath.
“He is not right at his top obviously because it is not his grand final, but Saturday is going to give us a good indication of where he is at.”
Kennewell revealed at the end of last year that he was eyeing the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) with Get The Nod and he confirmed this morning that the $2 million event is still on the agenda for the three-year-old.
Get The Nod will head to the Group 2 Euclase Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville on May 9 following his Redelva Stakes run this weekend before he potentially steps-up to Group 1 level for the first time in the Stradbroke Handicap at Doomben on June 6.
“Obviously there is a path and a goal at the end of a campaign for all horses and his goal is to try and get to Brisbane for the Stradbroke eventually,” Kennewell said.
“I am still not convinced that he will get there or even get that trip, but I can’t see why he won’t and we are going to give him every chance to do that.
“He will kick-off here on Saturday and then in a fortnights time he will run in Adelaide again in the Euclase and all being well he will be straight to Brisbane the following day.”
Kennewell has a strong hand in the 2015 Redelva Stakes field and he has also included Silent Whisper and Deiheros in the acceptances for the Listed event.
