Time right for distance attempt

Trainer Michael Kent has been looking forward to the day he is able to try his mare Deny Knowledge over a staying trip.

That day comes on Saturday when Deny Knowledge heads to the Listed Mornington Cup (2400m).

The Mornington Cup has the added bonus of offering the winner a ballot exemption into the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) in October.

Deny Knowledge is the highest rated runner in Saturday’s contest with the mare to carry 58.5kg.

Like Pride Of Jenni, the winner of the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick in runaway fashion last Saturday, Deny Knowledge has got better with age and has produced ‘catch me if you can’ tactics in some of her previous win.

One of those was in the Country Oaks at Geelong 12 months ago when Deny Knowledge ran out a 10-length victor after opening up a big midrace lead.

“I’m looking forward to it. I’ve always felt that she has a mile-and-a-half in her,” Kent told RSN.

“Her two tries beyond 10 furlongs (2000m), she won the Country Oaks at Geelong over 11 furlongs (2200m), and we tried her in the Zipping Classic (2400m), but it rained, and she is no good on soft ground.”

Deny Knowledge landed the biggest win of her career last spring, taking out the Group 2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m) at Flemington.

Kent believes for the mare to be successful at the next level, she must now extend out in trip.

“She’ll get her chance on Saturday to run a mile-and-a-half, but she’ll have a bit of weight, but we’re dying to try her at that trip,” Kent said.

“For her to go up a level, she has to go a bit further.

“Maybe she can be like Pride Of Jenni.

“If she can rate herself right, she’ll give herself every chance.”

Deny Knowledge is among 23 horses entered for the Mornington Cup which can have a capacity of 14 runners and four emergencies.

The final field and barrier will be declared on Wednesday.