Kellys Eye

Kellys Eye is better than the bare form that he showed in the Class 2 Sovereign Health Care Handicap over six furlongs at Doncaster last Friday. Drawn right over on the far side in stall 2 of 21, the Noverre gelding finished the race on the near side with his rider Jamie Spencer seemingly intent on coming right over towards the stands’ side, clearly confident where the better ground was.

Kellys Eye travelled well throughout this race, at least as well as the winner Mac’s Power, with whom he was just about level, and travelling fluently, passing the two-furlong pole. It was there though, that Spencer decided to switch his mount behind that runner in order that he could deliver his challenge on the near side while the winner was able to find a gap between runners. By the time he got running however, having to switch around several horses, his chance was effectively gone. He was just about last of the main pack passing the furlong pole, some six lengths or so behind the leader and Spencer just rode him out with hands and heels through the final furlong. He ran on well and can be marked up a fair bit on the bare form of this run.

Kellys Eye has had a tough time of things since the early part of the season where three wins on the bounce forced his handicap mark up from 74 to 96. Unsurprisingly he struggled in some very competitive handicaps after that, but there have been definite signs of a return to form now on two of his last three starts now he has dropped a few pounds to the low 90s. A sprinter’s three-year-old season is normally the toughest as they try to make their mark in all-aged races, especially if they have such a profitable early part of the season. Kellys Eye is one to keep on side, and one to watch for at the start of next season, given his ability to go well when fresh.

22nd October 2010