Hit-and-Runa mission

Leeton harness racing trainer David Kennedy is selective when it comes to racing at Tabcorp Park Melton.

It is a five-hour drive from his Riverina base in southern New South Wales, so when he decides to make the trip, it is clear he means business.

Kennedy ventured to Melton last Saturday with four starters.

Finding a suitable race for Group 1 winner Rocknroll Runa (Rock N Roll Heaven) prompted the trek, with Kennedy targeting the VHRC Caduceus Memorial Pace series with the four-year-old and Delightful Angel.

Kennedy said there were few options in his greater region for the likes of Rocknroll Runa.

“Fast class races don’t stand up around Wagga,” he said.

While he had to be satisfied seeing each run a minor placing – Rocknroll Runa second and Delightful Angel third – in their heats, it was enough for both to progress to Saturday night’s $30,000 final at Melton.

Rocknroll Runa takes outstanding credentials into the Group 3 event.

Three starts ago, the gelding became a Group 1 winner, taking out the $100,000 NSW Regional Championships’ Riverina final at Wagga.

ROCKNROLL RUNA REPLAY

He followed that up with a fourth in the Group 1 state final.

Kennedy, who has trained 750 winners including three Group 1s, puts Rocknroll Runa right up with the best he’s had.

And his expectations are high.

He bred the gelding out of Shes A Runa, who was also a Group 1 winner for him, claiming the 2014 NSW Oaks.

“I put him on a par with her,” Kennedy said.

“Deadsetlucky is probably the best we’ve had. He was winning at Menangle in quick times when it first opened.”

Going into Saturday night’s (Jun. 25) final, Kennedy is expecting an improved performance by Rocknroll Runa.

“He was probably a little disappointing (in the heat),” he said.

“I might have been too soft on him.

“I took him along quietly after running in three Group 1s in the space of six weeks.”

Kennedy said he was entitled to win after the run he had on the back of the leader.

Rocknroll Runa was able to use his gate speed in the heat to initially lead before handing up.

But it will be a different scenario this time, with an inside second row draw.

“He’ll definitely be improved, but we’re going need some luck,” Kennedy said.

“He’s tough and we’re probably going to have to do a bit of work.

“Whatever happens, we’re not going to be left wondering.”

Regular reinsman Jack Painting will take the drive on Rocknroll Runa, while Mark Pitt has been engaged to take the seat behind Delightful Angel (gate three).

Painting will also have the task of taking the duo to Melton, with Kennedy on holidays in Queensland.

Whatever the outcome, Kennedy is looking to return to Victoria with Rocknroll Runa for the Vicbred Super Series at the end of the year.

From there, he is uncertain what the future might hold for him, with a move to a stable closer to metropolitan class racing or even the United States both possibilities.

For complete Saturday race fields, click here.

by David Brehaut, for HRV