Racing: Waterhouse eyes Kelt

There is a better-than-even-money chance Gai Waterhouse's Desert War or Aqua D'Amore, or even both horses, will be sent to New Zealand for the $1 million Kelt Capital Stakes.

Waterhouse yesterday spoke with Jack Petley, who has been doing some work in Sydney on behalf of Hawkes Bay Racing.

"Gai has been adamant all the way through she wanted both horses left in the Kelt," said Petley. "She said this morning she is strongly considering coming to New Zealand."

A lot will depend on how both horses perform in today's A$200,000 Chelmsford Stakes at Randwick and what the Sydney handicapper gives them in the Epsom Handicap when weights are released next week.

Desert War is a dual Epsom winner, who might struggle from the top of the handicap this year to keep out the younger, up-and-coming types. The Kelt may well be a better option.

Sphenophyta, now with Lee Freedman in Melbourne, is also still a strong chance for the Kelt.

He makes his debut for Freedman in today's A$500,000 Craiglee Stakes at Flemington.

* A lot of talk last year about the 2007 running of the Kelt going from $1 million to $2 million.

Wait for the official announcement.

It's all positive.

With the $32 million extra already kicking in (from tax relief), isn't that the sort of news you like to hear.