Ken Keys sets sights on Vain Stakes at Caulfield

Ken Keys would have liked to have given Scheelite more time in the spelling paddock, but the Cranbourne trainer is happy with the way the most exciting member of his stable is tracking as his return to racing nears.

The unbeaten colt will trial at Cranbourne on August 7 ahead of a likely return to the races in the Vain Stakes at Caulfield on August 19.

That 1100-metre Group 3 will be his first start since completing back-to-back wins to starts his career at Flemington on May 13 with Keys saying he has been back in work since mid-June.

“I think he had a month (off) at best,” Keys said.

“Unfortunately there’s no time, so they can’t do as well as we’d like, but he did get taller so he’s done well.”

Scheelite’s Flemington win, which came over 1100m, followed a 1000m debut success at Sandown on April 29.

Even though the son of Real Steel’s two starts to date have been over sprint trips, Keys and his co-trainer, daughter Kasey, will give him an opportunity to prove himself over longer journeys with Caulfield Guineas and Cox Plate entry fees to be paid with the rising three-year-old.

“He’s worth a dream, that’s playing the game, but we think he’s pretty good,” Keys said.

“His fourth run will be in the Guineas and then you’ve still got enough in the tank to go further hopefully if they can.”