Keys open chasing another home town cup in 2025 Cranbourne Cup

Long-time Cranbourne horsemen Ken and Kasey Keys are hoping to once again capture their hometown Cup, adding to a legacy built over decades.

Winners of the Listed Cranbourne Cup with Blue Collar Jack in 2006 and Boom ‘N’ Zoom in 2011, the Keys stable turns to Scheelite for this year’s edition of the 1600m feature.

But gaining a start is the first hurdle, as Scheelite sits 24th in the ballot order for the $500,000 race restricted to 16 runners and four emergencies.

If he misses out, connections will revert to Sunday’s $200,000 Kilmore Cup.

The Cranbourne Cup has been a circled target since the beginning of Scheelite’s preparation.

“It would be the ultimate really,” Keys said.

“It would be pretty special to win a third. It’s a little ambition and this has been the home track for ever.

“But it’s getting tough to get into this race now and if he doesn’t get in, we’ll go to Kilmore on Sunday.”

Scheelite’s career has been a mix of big expectations and mixed execution. The Real Steel gelding launched his career with back-to-back wins before contesting the Caulfield Guineas and Coolmore Stud Stakes as a three-year-old.

After fluctuating results in the next two preparations, gelding seemed to rejuvenate him, and he returned to winning form at Bendigo.

He then chased home Pride Of Jenni in the Anniversary Vase before heading to Adelaide for a solid fifth to close his campaign.

His current spring preparation reads well — a sixth at Caulfield followed by an excellent Peninsula Cup second at Mornington.

“I’m really happy with how he is going,” Keys said.

“The other day at Mornington, it’s probably one that got away. He got to the front, and then he probably took a bit of a break.

“We’re hoping he gets in (on Saturday) and can give it a shake.”

Jordan Childs will take the reins if the gelding secures a start.

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