Goodwood aspirations for well regarded three-year-old Conservatorium were given a boost when he scored a strong win in the listed Manihi Classic (1200m) at Morphettville today.
In holding out a gallant Dr Doute’s to win by three parts of a length, Conservatorium had his trainer Gary Kennewell jumping with excitement in the mounting yard.
The son of influential international sire Royal Academy took up the role of leader early and held that position throughout despite a strong effort from Dr Doute’s late in the race.
Kennewell said he didn’t weigh down rider Craig Newitt with too many instructions pre-race – but said leading was always one of the main options.
“Through the week we were actually planning to go back,” Kennewell said. “We’d been working him from back.”
“On the day we just weren’t really sure. There didn’t appear much speed in the race.”
“I told Craig if Believe ‘n’ Achieve jumped well to just slot in behind her, if she doesn’t, go straight to the front.”
“I still believe he’s going to be a better horse from behind (in the field). But he’s still green – still very raw.”
“He’s always shown us plenty of ability and he’s won four of seven now,” he added.
Kennewell said Conservatorium would run next in the DC McKay Stakes and if he came through that well and with a positive result he could run in the state’s best sprint race – the Group One Goodwood.
“The Don McKay looks a nice race for him,” he noted. “But if he didn’t make the Goodwood we wouldn’t stress – he’s only a three-year-old.”
Kennewell took a shine to Conservatorium when offered by Emerald Thoroughbred at the 2009 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale and he went to $50,000 to buy him.
The gelding is raced by strong stable client Santo Guagliardo and he’s now earned over $116,000 from just seven starts – four of which have been wins.
The 159th individual stakes winner for Royal Academy, Conservatorium is one of two winners produced by the stakes performed Belong to Me mare Belong to Madam.
A third placegetter in the listed Cinderella Stakes in Adelaide at two, Belong to Madam is a half sister to the stakes performer Orchestrated.
Winner: Conservatorium (Royal Academy-Belong to Madam)
Race: SAJC Manihi Classic LR (1200m)
Sold for: $40,000
Sale: 2008 Magic Millions National Weanling Sale
Vendor: Racetree (As Agent)
Buyer: Emerald Thoroughbreds
Sold for: $50,000
Sale: 2009 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Emerald Thoroughbreds
Buyer: Kennewell Racing
Earnings: $116,200
Owner(s): ES & Mrs MA Guagliardo
Trainer: Gary Kennewell (Morphettville)
