Love Story dominates Kensington meeting

With only two starts under her belt, four-year-old Love Story's delayed racing career might prove to be a strategic advantage, according to co-trainer Adrian Bott.

Despite showing consistent ability, knee chips and an unforeseen illness hampered the daughter of Justify, preventing her debut until last month where she finished a narrow second at Warwick Farm.

Taking on the role of favourite in Wednesday's Catanach's Jewellers Plate (1400m) at Kensington, the mare went one better, controlling the race under Adam Hyeronimus and pulling away down the straight for a commanding 3-1/4 length victory over Iminastate ($26). Memorise ($17) claimed third place, a similar margin behind.

Bott is of the opinion that she possesses the potential to compete at black-type level in due course, noting that her late start could be beneficial as she continues to mature.

"It's probably not a bad thing because she's still all frame to look at," Bott said. "Another twelve months, if she can race thirty or forty kilos bigger we'll see nice improvement from her. Maybe at the end of the season she could be a Queensland (winter carnival) mare."

The training partnership of John O'Shea and Tom Charlton also celebrated success with the impressive three-year-old colt Punxsutawney Phil ($1.95), who maintained his flawless record of three wins from as many starts in the Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1250m).

The colt faced a strong challenge from Sky Deck at the top of the straight but managed to fight him off and surge clear for a 1-1/4 length win against Aladdin's Girl ($41), with Sky Deck ($11) finishing third.

Charlton was visibly impressed by the horse's fighting spirit and confirmed the Listed Brian Crowley Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on October 24 is the probable next destination.

"That was fantastic. Another good performance, and I'm really pleased for owner-breeder Neil Werrett because he's a big supporter of the stable," Charlton commented. "John (O'Shea) and Neil have always had a plan to potentially go to the Brian Crowley. That's two-and-a-half weeks and the likely target. He's a really genuine little horse. He will appreciate 1200 for his next start. It will be perfect."

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