Skip to main navigation Skip to main content

Kemp won't change winning formula in QTIS Jewel

14 March 2018

Share this page

Share on a platform

Or copy the page link

By Glenn Davis

If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.

That’s the philosophy trainer Kevin Kemp is taking ahead of Plumaro’s bid to win the $250,000 QTIS Two-Year-Old Jewel at the Gold Coast on Saturday.

Plumaro, who drew a horror barrier 13, has won two of her only three starts but is a noted backmarker which her critics say could disadvantage her on the tight turning Gold Coast track.

Kemp can’t fault Plumaro since she produced a whirlwind finish to beat Only Wanna Sing over 1200 metres at Doomben on March 3.

“She pulled up really well after that win and she’s trained on a treat,” Kemp said.

“Any horse like her who gets back in their races needs some sort of luck to get through the field and she’s no different.

“It’s a strong even field and it won’t be an easy race to win but that’s her pattern of racing so we won’t be changing the way she’s ridden.”

Kemp revealed he fielded an offer to buy Plumaro after she won her first start at Toowoomba by more than nine lengths.

“We had an offer after that first win and it was pretty good money,” Kemp said.

“But I told them it wasn’t enough and I haven’t had an offer since.”

Kemp is undecided about Plumaro’s immediate future but long term he would like to take the daughter of Spirit Of Boom interstate with his top sprinter Sold For Song.

“Sold For Song is ready to come back into work and Plumaro would make an ideal companion if I decided to go south,” Kemp said.

“In the short term I’m not sure what will happen.

“If she won easily on Saturday, I might keep her in work for another race but she’ll need a break soon if she’s to go to the winter carnival.

“The winter carnival is on our doorstep but for her to go there depends how she goes on Saturday and how she pulls up.”

Kemp has named fellow Toowoomba youngster Mishani Hustler and Hopes Eternal as her two main dangers.

“Mishani Hustler looked pretty good the day he beat her at Doomben last month and Hopes Eternal is a good horse with a good record,” he said.

The Gold Coast is currently rated in the heavy range but Kemp holds no fears of running Plumaro if conditions don’t improve.

“She seemed to get through the soft ground pretty well last time so it won’t bother her if its heavy,” he said.

Racing Queensland webnews   March 14