Racing: Sedecrem sends warning in scorching sprint

Keeninsky's fresh-up Telegraph Handicap win is the training feat of the Wellington Cup carnival so far.

But in just five days' time the feat most punters will need to remember is the run for second from the biggest threat to Calveen in the Thorndon Mile, Sedecrem.

If they gave out track records for the final 200m, it's a safe bet that Sedecrem clocked it on Saturday.

Co-trainer Richard Yuill is adamant that Sedecrem, who finished third to another three-year-old star, King's Chapel, in this race last year, would have won with an ounce more luck.

"He was a little bit stiff in this last year and got held up again at the half furlong," said Yuill.

"But that's the way he races best, he's got to be ridden back, and he's got to be ridden for luck."

Sedecrem didn't get any in the Thorndon Mile last year, when upset by stablemate Sir Kinloch.

But Yuill knows that Sedecrem, who goes on to defend his Waikato Draught Sprint crown next, is at least as good.

And so far at least, he is showing no signs of being troubled by his long-standing foot problems.

Sixth-placed Telegraph favourite Gee I Jane will more than likely now be sent across the Tasman to make up for her wretched luck on Saturday.

Trainer Neville Couchman said the A$300,000 Robert Sangster Stakes at Morphettville on February 23 is now a serious option.

Egyptian Raine won the same group one 1200m race for fillies and mares after winning the Railway two years ago.

"She may be better off in a race like that - there's not that many gender specific races in group one sprints," said Couchman.

"She's well capable of winning the Waikato Draught Sprint but she would climb close to the top of the handicaps then."

Couchman expected Gee I Jane to slip off the scorching speed set by Keeninsky on Saturday.

But he got a fright when he saw rider Bruce Herd hemmed in on the fence.

"That's where she came unstuck," said Couchman.

"There's no doubt that if she had got out at the right time she would have won all right."

Couchman said Herd seemed more in awe of her ability than disappointed when he returned to the birdcage.

"One of the first things he said was 'I thought Loader was smart but this thing would lap it'.

"At least she didn't have a hard race in the Telegraph. She wouldn't have blown a candle out when she got back.

"This horse is flying at the moment and just getting better all the time."

The Telegraph victory was one of the most satisfying for both co-trainer Stephen Autridge and rider Allan Peard, whose only two group one wins have been on Keeninsky.

Satisfying for Autridge because the flying chestnut hadn't raced for 10 weeks and had only one Paeroa trial to fit him for New Zealand's toughest 1200m test.

For Peard because he had got dumped from Keeninsky in favour of Opie Bosson for the ride in the 2000 Guineas at Riccarton in November.

Ironically, Keeninsky turned in a shocker that day and Bosson copped a $10,000 fine and a three-week suspension for causing interference.

According to NZPA reports last night, Keeninsky will take on a star studded field in next month's Lightning Stakes.

Sydney-based trainer Graeme Rogerson said he would bring Keeninsky over from New Zealand for the 1000m dash at Flemington on February 5 where he will meet crack Sydney three-year-olds Fastnet Rock and Charge Forward, super filly Alinghi and Hong Kong sprinter Cape Of Good Hope.

The Lightning is the first leg of the inaugural Global World Sprint series which includes the King's Stand and Golden Jubilee at Royal Ascot.

Keeninsky was New Zealand's outstanding two-year-old last season winning the Manawatu Sires' Produce (1400m). He was a close second in the group one Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) last spring but Rogerson believes he is at his best over shorter distances.

"I think he is a sprinter not a middle-distance horse," Rogerson said. "The Lightning is what I'm looking at."

Rogerson watched the Telegraph Handicap at Trentham from Rosehill in Sydney and had an anxious wait until the final placings were declared.

Opening day

* Justa Tad regains her queen of the fillies title with her decisive Oaks victory.

* Keeninsky, after a 10-week spell, holds on to take the Telegraph from a fast-finishing Sedecrem.

* Ebony Honor wins the Trentham Stakes and a start in the Wellington Cup.