Running on to secure a credible third upon returning from injury in the Group 3 George Moore Stakes (1200m) on December 6th, trainer Kelly Schweida has revealed he is yet to settle on the next point of call for talented gelding Cape Kidnappers.
A standout for Schweida over the 2014 Brisbane Winter Carnival, Cape Kidnappers finished seventh in the Listed Bribie Handicap (1110m) first-up before securing back-to-back victories in the Listed Chief De Beers Quality (1110m) and Listed Lightning Handicap (1000m).
Returning to the paddock after suffering a leg injury when second in the Group 3 W.J. Healy Stakes (1200m) on June 21st, Schweida confirmed the Commands gelding will take to the track at Doomben this weekend, but is yet to decide between a 1200m open handicap race and the Listed Lough Neagh Stakes (1350m); the card’s featured event.
“It is a bit unusual to have a 1350 metre open stakes race and a 1200 metre open handicap on the one program,” Schweida told AAP.
“The 1200 of the open will suit Cape Kidnappers better at this stage of his campaign. But I don’t know if there are enough open company horses in Brisbane for fields to stand up in both races.”
Confident his runner is over all previous ailments, Schweida is expecting a successful day at Doomben on Saturday for Cape Kidnappers regardless of the event he accepts into.
“It has been well documented that he has had a series of injury problems. It always happens with the good ones,” he added.
“But he had a good blow after his George Moore run and I think he is ready to race very well on Saturday.”
Securing nine wins and a further five minor places from his 15 competitive starts so far, Cape Kidnappers stamped his claims as one to watch from his maiden racing calendar in 2011; registering three victories from as many starts over winter and summer.
Returning for just two appearances in 2012, the lightly-raced seven-year-old failed to finish worse than second in five starts through 2013, highlighted by a two-length victory over classy competition in the Summerveld Racing Stables BM85 (1000m) in late June.
Final fields and barrier draws for Saturday’s Doomben Racecourse are due to be completed and released by midday Wednesday.