27 Dec 2007
Ardmore trainer Stephen McKee will be issuing some strict riding instructions for
Keepa Cruisin in Tuesday's $125,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Royal Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie.
McKee said Keepa Cruisin hit the front too soon when she wound up third in the Eight Carat Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie on Boxing Day.
"Had she been held up a touch longer I think she could have won the Eight Carat," McKee said.
Leith Innes rode Keepa Cruisin in the Eight Carat Classic and retains the mount for the Royal Stakes which is another race in the prestigious New Zealand Bloodstock Filly Of The Year series.
Keepa Cruisin had won the Group 1 Levin Classic (1600m) at Otaki at her previous start.
McKee said the 2000m distance of the Royal Stakes will test out the stamina credentials of Keepa Cruisin. "This is why it is even more important that she is held up for the last run. She has got a 200 metre sprint which must be used at the right time,": he said.
Keepa Cruisin is a half-sister to multiple Group 1 winner Seachange. Both horses are owned by Dick Karreman.