Fortunate Kiss could be having her final race start before beginning a new career as a broodmare when she steps out at Flemington on Saturday. The Lloyd Kennewell-trained mare is set to contest the Victorian Jockeys’ Association Trophy (1410m) before being offered in the Magic Millions Virtual Sale next week.
Purchased by Kennewell’s clients last year, Fortunate Kiss has repaid her purchase price with a successful campaign, highlighted by victory in the Listed Glasshouse Handicap at the Sunshine Coast in July and a placing in the Listed Wangoom Handicap at Warrnambool in April.
Kennewell confirmed that Fortunate Kiss officially turns seven on Friday and will head to stud this breeding season, but he believes she has one more strong run left before her potential sale. “She’s had a very good prep,” Kennewell said. “We’ve had her down at the beach. She came back to the stable on Tuesday and had a nice grass gallop on Wednesday. She worked well and is in good order, and this looks the right race for her. Potentially, it could be her last start. She’s entered for the Magic Millions virtual sale next week, but it also depends on how she runs on Saturday.”
The mare has been well cared for during her travels to Queensland and New South Wales after her second placing in the Wangoom. “She won well in the Glasshouse, and when she ran in Sydney last time, she went well but got taken out of the race a bit before hitting the line strongly,” Kennewell said. “I think the 1400 metres will suit her better this time. We haven’t done a lot with her since she’s been back, but she’s bright, happy and fresh after a long campaign.”
Kennewell added that the mare has been looked after by one person throughout her interstate campaigns, which included trips to Warrnambool, Queensland, Sydney, and back to Melbourne. “She’s done a lot of travelling but has been really well cared for,” he said. “Whether this is her last start will depend on Saturday’s run, but she will definitely head to stud this season. She’s now a valuable mare after gaining that Stakes win.”