Racing: McKee puts faith in maiden

Trevor McKee is no stranger to success as a trainer in Ellerslie's Ford Diamond Stakes.

He won it in 1989 with Super Fiesta and again in 1994 with outstanding filly Moonshine.

Today, now retired, he has set his sights on winning it as an owner with Kaaptan.

No horse in the country has put up performances this season like Kaaptan and remained a maiden.

Wide draws cost him dearly early in his fledging career and the only time he drew inside it turned out not the place to be on a rain-affected track.

Kaaptan was bolting on the home bend while Craig Grylls had hold of his head, but he floundered once Grylls asked him to sprint.

His third behind King's Ransom was actually a good effort in the circumstances.

"It's a shame that he's drawn well again - that makes two times and both times on a wet track," said trainer Stephen McKee last night.

"But we run only two group one 2-year-old races each year and that means you have to have a go at them, even if the track doesn't entirely suit."

Kaaptan was yesterday quoted at a lucrative $8.50, a priced clearly influenced by track conditions.

There is no surprise that the pronounced favourite at $3.60 was The Heckler, dashing winner of the Karaka Million at his last start.

Co-trainer Murray Baker remains confident The Heckler will manage the conditions after a barrier trial victory in the wet last August.

Te Akau Rose is second favourite at $7.50 after her gallant Matamata Breeders Stakes win last start in wet conditions.

Trainer Mark Walker holds a strong hand with Te Akau Rose and Corsage, who has not had much luck.

Corsage was blocked for room in the home straight at a crucial stage of the Karaka Million and it cost her dearly, then things did not exactly go her way at Matamata.

Punters and the TAB bookmakers believe southern mare O'Reilly Rose can do what she did at Matamata last start in today's $200,000 Skycity New Zealand Stakes and totally dominate up front.

Ellerslie is not the leader's track Matamata can be, but O'Reilly Rose's extraordinary ability to handle rain-affected footing provides her with a big chance at group one level.

MacO'Reilly doesn't have to lead, but he'll be handy, and if there is any sign of weakness he'll be there to take advantage.

He has maintained a brilliant stretch of form and although firmer tracks than he'll face today suit his long stride better, he is not entirely out of calculations.

Katy Keen has had issues all season and her form has suffered.

She has had a break since last racing and if owner-trainer Stu Manning has been able to solve her hormonal complaints and return her to full fitness, she is certainly capable of winning.