Racing: Kenny Starfighter targets 3-year-old features

Kenny Starfighter stormed into contention for early spring 3-year-old features when beating older rivals at New Plymouth on Saturday.

Kenny Starfighter was the only 3-year-old in the $35,000 La Nuova Dash (1200m) for 3- and 4-year-olds at the Taranaki Racing Club's meeting but had a top performance to win.

The good-looking son of Turbulent Dancer settled well back in the nine-horse field before circling the field rounding the final bend and coming clear in the straight to score, being eased down, by 1 1/4 lengths.

Runner-up Avaroadi led early in the straight and battled well when challenged while a length away third was Dead Common who went nicely.

Otaki trainer Malcolm Wallace was thrilled with Kenny Starfighter who will now be set for the listed $35,000 Wanganui Guineas (1320m) for 3-year-olds at Wanganui on September 3.

"This is fantastic," said Wallace who previously worked for a former leading Melbourne trainer, the late Angus Armanasco, prior to setting up as a public trainer.

"He's just getting better all the time. He's a very good horse."

Kenny Starfighter was having the third start of his career yesterday, having twice been the bridesmaid behind talented youngster Final Reality, of which one was in the Ryder Stakes at Otaki on July 30.

Wallace said Kenny Starfighter had his confidence knocked when sharply checked at the start of the Ryder Stakes at Otaki at his previous start.

He said it showed yesterday.

"I think that's why he got back further early than where we wanted him to be early," Wallace said.

Kenny Starfighter's win came just an hour after his Wellington owners Scott and Judy Preston were due to arrive back in New Zealand after a holiday in Europe.

The Prestons are trustees of the Rotopiko Trust which races and bred Kenny Starfighter.

"I hope they got to see it on television. They've been over in the south of France and Scotland and were due back in the country about 1pm. This is a great welcome-home present for them," said Wallace.

Scott Preston is a younger brother of former successful trainer and now bloodstock agent Mick Preston.

The Preston family had a high profile in racing in the central districts in the 1960s and '70s and operated the West Derby Stud, near Levin.

He said he expected plenty of improvement from Kenny Starfighter and on yesterday's run can look forward with confidence to the spring features.

"I reckon he's just 85 per cent of his true ability at the moment.

"Once he puts his head down and starts stretching out properly I'm sure he's going to be something special."

- NZPA