The 1000 Guineas hasn't been a lot of fun for New Zealand trainer Ken Kelso, but unbeaten filly Legarto should remedy that at Riccarton tomorrow.
Kelso, who trains with his wife Bev, is one of the most respected strike rate trainers in the country. They have had a string of outstanding fillies and mares and maybe have their best yet in Levante, who was a massive fourth in the Champions Sprint at Flemington on Saturday, suggesting she can win an Australian Group 1 race this season.
There are plenty of similarities between Levante and Legarto, even though the latter has a way to go before she can challenge for the title of queen of the stable.
Not only are they stablemates but they are part-owned by some of the same connections. Both are by Rich Hill stallion Proisir, who is looking for a Guineas double this week after Pier won Saturday's 2000 Guineas.
But the greatest similarity between Levante and Legarto is their racing style, both seeming happiest when they can get into a rhythm early and then explode late.