Kewney Stakes – 2021

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

Eleven three year-old fillies have accepted for the 2021 Kewney Stakes to be run at Group 2 level.  Most of these come through one of two key lead up races.  Four had their last start in the Vanity on February 13 while five ran in the Armanasco at Caulfield on February 19.  Last years Crown Oaks winner Personal is the favourite in the early betting.  She ran second first up at Flemington and looks to have have come back in good order.  The second favourite is Yes Baby Yes.  She was a narrow winner of the Armanasco last start – Jamie Kah sticks with her.

Miss Guggenheim was luckless from an inside barrier first up at Caulfield and should be more suited from barrier 10 here.  Chica Fuerte won the Ethereal Stakes at Flemington in the spring and closed off okay first up in the Armanasco.   Perfect World rounded up a field of maiden runners at Sale with a touch of arrogance.  Starelle has plenty of talent but tends to mix her form while Island Joy won by a big space here two starts ago.  The remaining runners are $20-1 or longer.

1. Personal

Personal won the Crown Oaks here in the Spring.  She was no match for Zou Dancer first up but avoids that filly this time and is much more suited at set weights.  She’s the class filly in the race and the one they have to beat.

2. Yes Baby Yes

Heavily backed last time at Caulfield and was able to get the money, all be it narrowly.  Will roll forward again and make her own luck.

3. Chica Fuerte

Chica Fuerte won the Group 3 Ethereal here last preparation and the stable thought enough of her to run in the Group 1 Empire Rose.  She worked home solidly first up and can improve here.

4. Island Joy

This daughter of Hinchenbrook bolted in here on January 9.  She was just fair to the line last time but over raced.  If she settles better this time she is a chance of running into the placings.

5. Vespertine

Won a benchmark 70 at Caulfield in January swooping home from the back.  Then never got warm in the Vanity.  May need a spell?

6. Starelle

Still a maiden but has a touch of class about her.  She travelled nicely first up and was only half a length off Personal when they crossed the line.  Is poorer off at the weights but can improve.

7. Safe Passage

Barrier 1 was not the spot to be last time so inclined to forgive that run.  She may be able to get control from the front with blinkers on.  Place hope.

8. Shojiki

Has finished third at all 3 runs this time in.  Looks outclassed here.

9. Perfect World

Perfect World was a convincing Sale maiden winner last start and wasn’t all that far away from them in the Oaks Trial during the Spring.  Wouldn’t surprise to see her run well here with some confidence under the belt.

10. Miss Guggenheim

No luck at all first up at Caulfield, she was in the inferior section of the track and ran into multiple dead ends.  Capable of improving here.

11. Selfless

Jumped out well prior to charging home at Pakenham first up.  Suspect she can sit closer from an inside gate here.  Wouldn’t shock.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
1. Personal	1. Personal
2. Yes Baby Yes	3. Chica Fuerte
3. Chica Fuerte	9. Perfect World
10. Miss Guggenheim	6. Starelle

Group 1 Australian Cup 2021 (Flemington 2000m)

Group 1 Newmarket Handicap 2021 (Flemington 1200m)

Group 1 Randwick Guineas 2021 (Randwick 1600m)

Group 2 Sires Produce Stakes 2021 (Flemington 1200m)