Micheal Kent Jr gives Meteorite and Supernova slot series thumbs up

Trainer Michael Kent Jr insists Cranbourne and Pakenham are worthy tracks to stage Saturday feature meetings as the latter prepare for this week’s $1m The Supernova.

First-up Caulfield winner Welwal heads to The Supernova for trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr. Picture: Scott Barbour/Racing Photos via Getty Images

Cranbourne trainer Michael Kent Jr has praised Southside Racing’s slot series concept as the stable heads into Saturday’s $1m The Supernova at Pakenham with two top chances.

The Supernova is the second leg of the slot series following last month’s The Meteorite at Cranbourne.

While many believe feature Saturday meetings should remain at metropolitan tracks, Kent Jr was adamant the likes of Cranbourne and Pakenham deserved a fair go as well.

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“There was a really big crowd at Cranbourne, I’ve never seen so much atmosphere,” Kent Jr said.

“It’s a really important part of the racing society, likewise at Ballarat and Pakenham will be no different.

“Having big crowds in these big racing jurisdictions is really important.”

Kent Jr and co-trainer Mick Price have two runners in The Supernova, last-start Caulfield winner Welwal and Robrick, who ran seventh in The Meteorite.

“Pakenham’s one of the best tracks in the country so if punters aren’t happy to bet there then they don’t know where they should be betting, because it’s such a fair track,” Kent Jr said.

“It does benefit communities having race days where they have big crowds and is good for the grassroots of racing.”

Michael Kent Jr says Pakenham is one of the best betting tracks in Australia. Picture: Brett Holburt/Racing Photos via Getty Images

Kent Jr said Welwal, an import purchased off champion trainer Chris Waller, surprised the stable with his first-up win in the Group 3 Kevin Heffernan Stakes at Caulfield.

While the gelding has proven black-type form in Europe, Kent Jr is eager to see how he fares in The Supernova among classy opposition, which includes The Meteorite winner Nadal and Munhamek.

“I’d be lying if I didn’t say we were surprised with his win first-up,” Kent Jr said.

“He really loved getting his toe in and god bless him he got his nose down the line which was a great result for his new owners.

“He’s blowing less following his recent gallops and he’s run some nice races recently.

“Ultimately he’s going to have to run his best race if he’s winning.”

Originally published as Micheal Kent Jr gives Meteorite and Supernova slot series thumbs up