$1.15 million filly set to debut in the Lonhro Plate at Randwick

Blue-blooded filly Kerber is set to make her debut in stakes company at Randwick, an outcome that has even surprised her trainer.

A $1.15 million purchase, the daughter of champion sire I Am Invincible and multiple black-type winner Eloping has a pedigree that suggests success.

However, her impressive physical stature led Johann Gerard-Dubord, assistant trainer to Ciaron Maher, to initially believe she would take more time to develop.

“She has got plenty of ability, but she is a very big girl,” Gerard-Dubord said.

“When you look at her, you wouldn’t expect her to be racing at this time of the year.

“Those big horses, they have to carry a big frame. She does have the strength for it but she will keep improving. Whatever she does this time, we’re going to have a good filly in six months’ time.”

Kerber holds dual acceptances for Canterbury on Friday night and Saturday’s Listed Lonhro Plate (1000m). However, after drawing favorably in barrier five, early signs indicate she will take her place at the more spacious Randwick track.

She has shown promise in two trials, initially finishing fourth behind two-time city placegetter Namaste before improving to third behind last weekend’s brilliant Widden Stakes runner-up, Tempted.

The stable has been impressed by her natural talent, and Gerard-Dubord believes she deserves her chance to prove herself on race day.

“She does everything well at home, she has got a very good mind. We just want to get her started,” he said.

“She has a lot of talent, it’s just whether it’s too early.

“With the pedigree she’s got, you’ve got to give her a chance.”

Devil Night, a $1.4 million acquisition, is also set to debut in the Lonhro Plate for Team Hawkes, although he will have to overcome a tricky draw in barrier 11.

Golden Gift placegetter Extractor was the $3.80 betting app favorite as of Thursday, with Kerber ($26) and Devil Night ($34) both available at double-figure odds.