Kelly Schweida chasing more black-type in 2025 Eye Liner Stakes

Kelly Schweida has a shot at matching his most successful Queensland carnival to date as he prepares Metalart for the Listed Eye Liner Stakes (1350m) at Ipswich this Saturday.

After collecting three black type wins so far this campaign, Schweida is one away from equalling his 2022 mark of four feature victories.

Metalart, who has won seven of his thirteen starts, took a solid step up in class when finishing third in the Listed Lightning Handicap (1000m) earlier this month. Although beaten, Schweida was more than happy with the performance.

“He’s going good,” Schweida said.

“The races have been a bit higgledy piggledy for him, it (the Lightning) wasn’t his race. A thousand metres, they were hooking (wide).

“He got held up twice, I thought he was probably a little bit stiff not to win.”

While Metalart has already won over the Eye Liner distance, Schweida knows Ipswich’s sharp turns can make luck in running a critical factor.

“Ipswich is all about barriers, if you draw sixteen you’re probably three and four wide and run an unlucky fifth or sixth,” Schweida said.

“You can get them all set and ready but come Wednesday if you draw bad, you get that pain in the belly feeling.”

Describing Metalart as unique, Schweida was full of admiration for the gelding’s laid-back nature and racing consistency.

“He’s incredible. He’s the quietest horse you’d ever wish to see. You could tie him up to a fence, come back a week later and he’d still be there,” Schweida said.

“I think he’s won seven or eight out of about 11 or 12, and he probably should have won two more of those, so he’s been an incredible little horse.

“He’s very unassuming. You go over to the stable, he’d be asleep all day. He’s not like the normal racehorse, but he’s a ripper. I’d like to have a few more like him.”

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