Keen Array Too Good in Caulfield Village Stakes

Keen Array has continued his strong run of form this season with a comfortable win in the Listed Caulfield Village Stakes (1200m) this afternoon.

Keen Array was backed into clear favouritism to win the Caulfield Village Stakes in the hours leading up to jump, and the horse made his own luck from the outset when immediately taking up the pace alongside Tasmanian galloper Admiral.

Receiving an ideal run in transit, the Bel Esprit gelding was offered a clear racing line upon arriving at the final straight and easily pulled clear of his rivals; extending to find the line three lengths ahead Illustrious Lad; Sebring Sun boxing on well for third.

Co-trainer David Hayes was on hand for Keen Array’s win in Caulfield Village Stakes and underlined the Group 2 Salinger Stakes (1200m) on Derby Day as his likely next point of call.

“He’s a really good sprinter,” Hayes said after the race.

“He ran second in the Coolmore last year when the track was a little bit biased and I think he’s going to set up really well for an ambitious Moonee Valley run (Group 1 Manikato Stakes) or a conservative Flemington run.

“He’s got a lot of options and he’s really racing well.

“The Salinger is a nice race for him. We’ll just keep an eye on the noms for Moonee Valley and the Manikato because he goes well at the Valley.”

Jockey Dwayne Dunn was pleased with the performance mustered by Keen Array to win the Caulfield Village Stakes and echoed Hayes’ sentiments about his potential this time in.

“I thought I’d got a sweet run, given a nice kick and something’s coming straight on by!” Dunn said of Taddei Tondo, who lost rider Patrick Moloney at the gates.

“I knew someone had crashed at the start but I didn’t to see it being he riderless one taking me on, so I kept my horse concentrated all the way to the wire.

“He’s done a good job. He’s put two together, won this time last year so he’s back on track.

“He’s a nice horse and hopefully he can go to a nice race.”

In being crowned the 2016 Caulfield Village Stakes winner, Keen Array has extended his race record to six wins and a further four minors through only fourteen career starts.

About The Author

Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.