SA raider Promises Kept chases 2025 Ballarat Cup

Trainer Michael Hickmott is confident that new stable acquisition Promises Kept can give his owners plenty to look forward to over the next fortnight.

The gelding heads east for Saturday’s Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) and may then target the Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m) seven days later.

Previously trained by Greg Eurell and then Ciaron Maher, Promises Kept has now had two runs for Hickmott.

He resumed with a sixth placing in the Listed Murray Bridge Cup (1600m) before finishing fifth behind Air Assault in the Listed John Letts Stakes (1800m).

“He was always going to need the run first-up,” Hickmott said.

“I thought his first-up run was a pass mark then his next run was clearly dominated by on-pacers.

“His sectionals, right up until the 200-metre mark, were everything as good as anything in the race, but he flattened out in the last furlong.

“Up to the 2000 metres suits better and we’re looking at running him in this and then back-up into the Pakenham Cup with him.”

During his previous preparation with Maher, Promises Kept won over 2200m at Hobart and placed in both the Hobart Cup and Launceston Cup, before finishing last in the 3200m Adelaide Cup.

Hickmott says he is keeping plans simple for now.

“He’s a lovely old horse that is in the zone, he’s sound, moving good, he looks fantastic and his work has been good, but it is a very good race on Saturday,” he said.

Party Crasher will also line up for the stable at Ballarat in the Hertz Handicap (2000m).

The gelding impressed with a strong win over 2000m at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day.

“He’s a progressive horse and comes into this race as the most inexperienced horse in the race, but he’s on the way up,” Hickmott said.

“He did a fantastic job at Flemington, and I was really proud of the horse.

“He’s continued to thrive since and I expect him to be really competitive in what is a strong race.”

Punters can check Ballarat Cup betting options at Australia’s top betting sites.