Del on target for Great Southern Star

Top harness racing performer Keystone Del remains on target for the Great Southern Star.

Despite a minor setback, Keystone Del will be ready for his title defence according to trainer Nicole Molander.

A notable absentee from recent trotting features, Keystone Del has been hampered by muscle soreness, but has responded well to treatment.

As such, the son of Dr Ronerail is likely to start in next week’s Group One Australasian Trotting Grand Prix.

“He had muscle soreness over his hamstring and was jarred up because of a crack in his hoof,” Molander explained.

“We put bar shoes on to stop the movement of the crack and have remedied that, but had to work on his muscles.

“He is back to a regular shoe and is moving freely again. All is fine with him.”

Despite the break from racing, Keystone Del fitness has been maintained through slow, steady training.

“He hasn’t really missed much work as part of his treatment was to keep him jogging,” Molander said. “We’re pretty happy with him now.

“He will trial at Melton on Monday and race next week.

“If we feel he needs another run before the Great Southern Star he will go around in the free-for-all the following week.”

• PAUL COURTS