Exciting times for South Australian trainer Ryan Balfour ahead of Adelaide Cup

Exciting South Australian filly Kenyan Wonder’s Melbourne debut kicks off a busy eight days for Morphettville trainer Ryan Balfour.

Jamie Kah guides Kenyan Wonder to victory at Morphettville. Picture: Atkins Photography

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Exciting South Australian filly Kenyan Wonder’s Melbourne debut kicks off a busy eight days for Morphettville trainer Ryan Balfour.

Kenyan Wonder jumps in the deep end in the $200,000 Group 2 Keweny Stakes at Flemington before Balfour saddles Aagas in Monday’s $400,000 Group 2 Adelaide Cup and then returns to Melbourne with Ball’s Choice in Saturday week’s $5m All-Star Mile.

“It’s exciting times,’’ Balfour said.

“The stable has some momentum, we’re in Melbourne Saturday, Cup Day Monday, the yearling sale on Tuesday and then Ball heads to the All-Star Mile.

“It’s Mad March that’s for sure,’’ he said.

Kenyan Wonder has stamped herself as ne of the most promising horses in Adelaide with two emphatic wins at her past two starts.

Jamie Kah guides Kenyan Wonder to victory at Morphettville. Picture: Atkins Photography

She came form well back to win with Jamie Kah in the saddle in December before an even more impressive win first-up from a break on February 16 when she stormed home to score.

Balfour has made no secret of his high opinion of the Zoustar filly who should thrive stepping out to the 1400m for the first time.

“She’s in good order, she’ll be better for the experience being her first time away,’’ Balfour said.

“I’m happy with the barrier, she can find her feet and hopefully we’ll see her big strides kicking late.

“It’s a Group 2 at Flemington so the race has obviously got a lot of depth,’’ he said.

Balfour said any rain in Adelaide over the weekend would enhance Aagas chances in Monday’s Adelaide Cup.

“The 3200m will be interesting,’’ Balfour said.

“With a bit more pressure than the Lord Reims he might be able to switch off a bit better, he does need to improve a couple of lengths on last-start but if he can run the trip that can open up some doors from a good barrier,’’ he said.

Balfour said Balf’s Choice was in good shape for his tilt at Australia’s richest mile at Flemington next weekend.

“He’s freshened up well, he’ll have a gallop at Morphettville in the (Saturday) morning and then another gallop on Tuesday,’’ Balfour added.

“We know he’s taking on some top line horses and we want to be as competitive as we can for SA, I’m confident he’ll run a top race,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, Leon Macdonald and Andrew Gluyas are hoping promising two-year-old Dalasan can maintain his unbeaten record in the $2000,00 Sires’ Produce Stakes at Flemington.
Dalasan has been impressive in two runs in Adelaide and has Craig Williams booked to ride.