Kisukano On Target For Return To Racing

Record-breaking filly Kisukano has sailed through her first serious trackwork test as she aims for a wildcard entry into the Magic Millions.

Trainer Michael Nolan was thrilled with Kisukano’s win in a 650 metre jump out at Clifford Park in Toowoomba on Thursday.

“She broke 37 seconds which is pretty much unheard of up here and a sign that she’s come back in great shape,” Nolan said.

“I’ll give her another jump out here on the Tuesday before Christmas and that will be her last serious bit of work before she resumes.

“The plan is to run her first up in the Nudgee Stakes at Eagle Farm on January 2 and if she happens to win that she earns a wildcard into the Millions.”

The winner of the Nudgee gains a wildcard exemption for the Magic Millions Fillies and Mares (1300m) at the Gold Coast on January 16.

Kisukano was beaten at her only attempt at 1300 metres when she led but was nailed in the last stride by Epic Girl in the Pink Ribbon Cup against older mares at the Gold Coast on September 19.

Following that defeat, Nolan shelved Sydney spring carnival plans for Kisukano but believes that decision has been to the filly’s long-term benefit.

“We spelled her at the right time and she’s come back bigger and stronger after having that five or six weeks off after the Pink Ribbon Cup,” he said.

“It gave her the time to develop. She’s in better shape now and her behaviour at the barriers, which has always been a bit of an issue, was perfect when she had her jump out.”

Nolan’s fallback plan for Kisukano if she does not gain a Millions wildcard is to have another short break before an autumn campaign.

Kisukano has the rare distinction of a win over Rothfire on her CV as well as holding the 1200 metre track record at Eagle Farm, which she set in August.