After mixing his distances around the 1800/2000m range, Kissinger was given his first try at 2400m this afternoon and that was much to his liking.
The Tavistock gelding relished the trip as well as the expansive Bendigo straight, proving too classy for his rivals, despite being lumped with 60kg.
Champion hoop, D. Oliver was in charge and he let Kissinger find his groove early, allowing the 7yo to drift back to last without any pressure. The generous tempo was favourable and passing the 1000m he was clicked up to improve around runners. Edging closer, Kissinger was within 4L as they straightened for the run home and began his surge down the middle of the track. Ollie using the stick in the left hand kept his mind on the job and he reeled in the leaders and get the job done.
The former kiwi galloper notched up his 5th win from 22 starts and that victory over a mile and a half has bouyed the confidence of the ownership group. who are seeing him season into a nice stayer now.
We will most likely head to Caulfield on Thousand Guineas Day for another 2400m race and should get in with much less weight than the impost he had to carry today.
Incidentally we will be sponsoring the Grassroots Gallop for country trainers on the day, so hopefully we can cap the afternoon off with another win by our boy.
