Stakes race goal for stable newcomer

A $150,000 punt on the future of a potential broodmare could pay a dividend at Caulfield if Fortunate Kiss can be successful in a Stakes race on Saturday.

A former member of the Daniel Bowman team, Fortunate Kiss has had one start for Lloyd Kennewell and Lucy Yeomans, finishing a pleasing third at Flemington.

Fortunate Kiss heads to Caulfield on Saturday for the Group 3 Cockram Stakes (1200m) and success would lead to the now six-year-old becoming a valuable broodmare.

The mare was placed multiple times in Stakes company for Bowman and Kennewell says there is still plenty left in the tank for Fortunate Kiss to hopefully add a Group win to her record.

Kennewell picked out the mare for long-time stable client Santo Guagliardo.

“I picked her out and wanted to buy her,” Kennewell said.

“She’s been a bit stiff. She’s been Group 3 and Listed placed, multiple times.

“We paid $150,000 for her. We thought she was pretty good value at that price and as Santo is a breeder, we’re rolling the dice to try and get a Stakes win and make her a valuable broodmare.”

Kennewell was rapt with the first-up effort of Fortunate Kiss for the stable when third at Flemington on August 3.

He said the mare had progressed well since and he was extremely pleased with her gallop on Tuesday morning.

“I was very happy with her on debut for us. She settled, relaxed, travelled into the race and blended in, then finished off really strong,” Kennewell said.

“It’s an even race and I like the barrier draw, drawing soft.

“She’s probably going to be back, saving ground midfield somewhere and I think she’s got a good turn of foot to finish the race off strong.

“The track could be pretty firm with all the wind we’ve had, which means it could be an on-pace, leaders track, and I would rather be on the fence saving ground, than being four and five wide.

“I think she’s a definite each-way chance.”