Trainers Ken and Bev Kelso couldn't be happier with heir glamour mare Legarto ahead of Saturday's inaugural running of the $1 million Aotearoa Classic (1600m).
The Group One winner returned in superb fashion at Ellerslie earlier this month when taking out the Aotearoa Classic Preview (1400m) by two lengths over Saturday race rivals Sacred Satono and Sharp ‘N' Smart, and she has continued to please her handlers in her work.
“She has really thrived since Ellerslie, she has thrived the whole preparation really,” Ken Kelso told TAB NZ.
“She has done everything right this prep and I couldn't be happier with her condition going into the race. All you need is a bit of luck.”
Kelso has trained many topliners over his long training career and rates the daughter of Proisir at the top of that list.
“I think she is probably the best, and that is a big call when you have Levante and going way back to Love Dance, Xanadu, and many more,” he said.
“She has certainly got those attributes that make a great horse – she has got a great temperament, she is a good eater, and everything about her is what you look for in a horse.”
Legarto carries the colours of part-owner Philip Brown, who was delighted when he saw gate seven beamed against the Auckland Sky Tower alongside his mare's name at the barrier draw function on Wednesday night.
“It's absolutely ideal,” he said. “Catherine (wife) asked me when we were driving up what I would like to draw, and I said seven or eight will be perfect. It is a terrific draw and I think even Ken will be pleased.
“She is in a great space and Ken and Bev do an amazing job. She will acquit herself very well on Saturday.
“It's exciting, but she has still got to win the race.”