Kemp keeping the faith in Pink Vixen

By Glenn Davis

The Group 3 Winx Guineas at the Sunshine Coast was a bridge too far for Toowoomba filly Pink Vixen, but trainer Kevin Kemp hasn't lost faith.

Pink Vixen led the Winx Guineas field into the straight, but compounded quickly to beat only one runner home behind Cellarmaster.

“It was a big step up in class for her, but it was a Group race worth chasing,” Kemp said.

“She led them up, but unfortunately she was caught on the worst part of the track that day.”

Kemp has a good opinion of Pink Vixen and is hopeful she can prove herself on a regular basis against Saturday city class.

“She’s a good filly and eventually I’m hoping she’ll make the grade to city class on a Saturday,” Kemp said.

In the meantime, Kemp is eyeing the last QTIS race of the season when she steps out in the QTIS Three-Year-Old Handicap over 1600 metres at Eagle Farm on Wednesday.

A daughter of Japanese sire Brave Smash, Pink Vixen followed up her Winx Guineas run with a dominant last start win over Vandevelde against her own age over 1800 metres at the Gold Coast on July 18.

“Her last win was very good, so she should be competitive again on Wednesday,” Kemp said.

“She’s dropping back in distance to 1600 metres this time, but that won’t worry her.

“This is the last QTIS race for three-year-olds this season, so the prizemoney is valuable.

“She’s a filly now, but she’ll be a mare the next time she races.”

Pink Vixen has been in work a long time, which is Kemp’s main concern.

“She’s been racing since March, but she’s done a great job,” Kemp said.

“I’ve got no great ambitions for her just yet, but as soon as she shows a sign she’s had enough, she’ll go straight to the spelling paddock.

“If she keeps improving, I’m sure she’ll make a good Saturday-grade mare in town.”

Kemp sensed he had a good filly in his stable after Pink Vixen finished second to Grafterburners in the QTIS Jewel Final at the Gold Coast in March of last year.

“She won her first start at Toowoomba, then ran a great race to finish second to Grafterburners in the QTIS Jewel as a two-year-old,” Kemp said.

“She’s got a good racing pattern, being able to race up near the lead in her races.”

Kemp has booked his promising apprentice Stacey Callow to continue her association with Pink Vixen.

“I think Stacey has a very bright future and she’s ridden Pink Vixen in most of her races,” he said.

“It was a great ride the day she won on her at the Gold Coast.”