Ken and Kasey Keys have long been fixtures of the Cranbourne racing community, and this weekend they aim to add another local Cup to their longstanding collection.
Already two-time winners of the Listed Cranbourne Cup — Blue Collar Jack in 2006 and Boom ‘N’ Zoom in 2011 — the Keys stable is pinning hopes on Scheelite for Saturday’s 1600m handicap.
Before that can happen, Scheelite must gain a start. He sits 24th in the order of entry for the $500,000 race, which has a maximum field capacity of 16 runners plus four emergencies.
Training in partnership with daughter Kasey, Keys also has the fallback option of the $200,000 Kilmore Cup (1600m) on Sunday should he not secure a place in the Cranbourne feature.
The pair deliberately brought Scheelite back to work later this preparation with the Cranbourne Cup as the season’s focal point.
For the Keys family, winning a third Cup on their home track would be especially meaningful.
“It would be the ultimate really,” Keys said.
“It would be pretty special to win a third. It’s a little ambition and this has been the home track for ever.
“But it’s getting tough to get into this race now and if he doesn’t get in, we’ll go to Kilmore on Sunday.”
Scheelite has been both promising and perplexing for the training team. A dual winner at two, he was set on a high-profile three-year-old path that saw him contest the Caulfield Guineas (seventh) and the Coolmore Stud Stakes (11th).
Following inconsistent campaigns in both autumn and spring, he was eventually gelded and returned to form at Bendigo in April.
He later finished second behind Pride Of Jenni in the Anniversary Vase at Caulfield and wrapped up that prep with a solid fifth in Adelaide.
This campaign began with a sixth at Caulfield before an excellent second in the Peninsula Cup (1600m) at Mornington on November 2.
“I’m really happy with how he is going,” Keys said.
“The other day at Mornington, it’s probably one that got away. He got to the front, and then he probably took a bit of a break.
“We’re hoping he gets in (on Saturday) and can give it a shake.”
Jordan Childs has been booked to ride should Scheelite secure a start.
For those comparing markets for the Cranbourne Cup, the full bookmaker list can be found here: JHR bookmakers.
