MARK TO TRAIN KAHDON FOR AUST. FEATURES
Burnham trainer Mark Jones was Melbourne-bound on Sunday, June 6, with exciting 3YO trot filly Kahdon.
The NZ Sires Stakes Trotters Championshp and Northern Trotting Oaks winner joined Mark’s team after her game 2nd to Vulan in the $100,000 3YO Jewels Ruby at Cambridge on Saturday, June 5.
The Sundon filly was vetted and her sale confirmed on the Monday before the Jewels by Jakarta-based businessman Peter Chambers, who also has Shezoneofheboyz in the Mark Jones stable.
“She’s never ever going to go as good for anyone other than Paul Nairn. Paul’s been more than helpful with his advice,” Mark said.
After favourite Miami H was out of play with an early gallop in the Jewels, Mark made the most of Kahdon’s strong staying qualities, but they were made to work a shade harder than anticipated after Vulcan (Anthony Butt) wouldn’t surrender the lead when pressured in the 3rd quarter.
The improving Vulcan kept up a smart front-running run, holding by a length, in 1:58 for the mile, with Kahdon a gallant runnerup after having to work for much of the mile from her back row alley.
Kahdon will now contest the $A50,000 Victoria Trotters Oaks at Tabcorp Park, Melton, next Friday night.
“She’ll probably then go for the Victoria Trotters Derby ($A75,000 at Maryborough on July 18) and the Breeders Crown ($A93,000 at Tabcorp Park, August 22),” Mark said.
“She’s been bought mainly as a broodmare, but they’re only three once so we’ll have a look at those races,” Mark said.
“We’re going on Paul Nairn’s advice as those were the races he had in mind for her anyway.”
Kahdon will be based at Craig Demmler’s property, as Demmler is owner Peter Chambers Victorian-based trainer.
After the Victoria Oaks, Mark will return to NZ then go back to Melbourne to prepare her for the Derby.
“I’ll probably look go over and drive her in the big races,” Mark said.
“Its a good chance for myself, Craig and Peter Chambers to work in together. Hopefully we can continue to work in with each other for many years,” he said.
Kahdon is from Kahola, a Chiola Hanover half-sister to Kahlum, the dam of globe-trotting champion Lyell Creek, and also a half-sister to former good pacing winner Swan Creek.
Meanwhile, NZ Trotting Derby winner Shezoneoftheboyz has been sent to the spelling paddock for three months after breaking at the Cambridge workouts, a week prior to the Jewels.
“She is going through a growth spurt so she can go out. She may have a racing stint Craig Demmler next season,” Mark said.
Shezoneoftheboyz raced 9 times this season _ winning her first five straight _ including holding out Kahdon in the NZ Trotting Derby at Addington in March, for $76,624 in stakes.
By Jeff Scott