Barrier Of Threes Gives the Kelso Duo a Rare Double Shot

Ken and Bev Kelso are preparing for one of the most ambitious days in their training career, lining up two mares in Group 1 races across both sides of the Tasman within just over two hours of each other. By sheer coincidence, both runners have drawn barrier three.

On Saturday, Alabama Lass will start in the A$750,000 Moir Stakes at the valley racecourse in Melbourne, while stablemate Legarto takes her place in the $400,000 Proisir Plate at Ellerslie. The races are set just 135 minutes apart.

The odds of both horses landing barrier three are slim. Alabama Lass had a one-in-16 chance in her field, while Legarto’s draw was one-in-17. The mathematical chance of both mares landing the same marble was just one in 272. Yet the barriers are only part of the story.

For the Kelsos, who deliberately keep a small racing team, to even have two genuine Group 1 contenders on the same day is a rarity. To add that both are realistic winning chances in the top-flight company makes the achievement even more remarkable.

Ken Kelso will fly to Melbourne to saddle Alabama Lass, who already has proven herself against elite opposition. She won A$500,000 sprint at Flemington in March under Craig Williams, who will again be aboard on Saturday.

The Moir Stakes, though competitive, is missing most of the top 20-ranked sprinters in Australia. That presents an opening for Alabama Lass, particularly from barrier three, which should allow Williams to place her on the speed. At the Valley racecourse, tactical positioning often shapes the outcome.

Kelso admits he relies on Williams’ judgment in these scenarios. “When she won at Flemington, I asked Craig what he thought and he just said, ‘Ken, trust your filly.’ That gave me confidence then, and it gives me confidence again,” Kelso said.

Alabama Lass has been tuned up with trackwork under Opie Bosson, who rode her earlier in the week and declared her ready. Kelso believes the barrier gives her every chance to dictate the tempo.

While Alabama Lass may have struck a race missing some of Australia’s fastest names, Legarto will meet a far deeper lineup at Ellerslie. The Proisir Plate, the first Group 1 of the New Zealand season, features many of the country’s leading middle-distance prospects.

Legarto’s barrier draw suits her style, with Kelso expecting her to settle midfield and peel out in the straight. Her main rivals have not been so fortunate. La Crique will start from barrier 10, Tuxedo from 12, Tomodachi from 14, and Quintessa from 16.

Kelso remains cautious about her fresh-up chances. “I think she will be stronger in the latter two legs of the Triple Crown at 1600m and 2000m, but I’m not ruling her out on Saturday,” he said. He recalls underestimating her last season in the Lisa Chittick Champagne Stakes at Matamata, only for her to prove him wrong when winning over 1400m first-up.

Physically, Legarto continues to impress him. “Sometimes I look at her in the box and think she is too heavy, but once the saddle goes on, she looks different. She carries herself in a way that tells you she is ready,” Kelso added.

Opportunities like this are scarce for New Zealand trainers. Te Akau Racing, at its dominant peak, managed similar scenarios, as did Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman when in partnership. But the list of stables fielding Group 1 contenders on both sides of the Tasman on the same day remains short.

That context makes the Kelsos’ position even more noteworthy. With fewer horses in their stable than the powerhouse operations, their results underline the quality of their management and the mares themselves.

So which of the two mares represents the better chance of delivering a win? Ken deferred to his wife, Bev, before answering. “Bev says Alabama Lass, so we will go with that,” he concluded with a smile.

Regardless of the outcomes, Saturday presents the Kelsos with a day few trainers will ever experience. To have two runners in Group 1 races across two countries within two hours is a testament to their persistence and the ability of their team.

For punters and racing followers, it sets up a fascinating storyline. Can Alabama Lass use her speed to conquer The Valley, and will Legarto defy the strength of her opposition at Ellerslie? Both will carry barrier three and the hopes of a small but proud Kiwi stable chasing a rare double.