Confidence ahead of pending assignment

AN eye-catching third earlier this week has given Madame Kelly’s connections confidence ahead of her pending assignment.

In what was her second run from a spell, Madame Kelly filled the minor placing behind stablemates Phoebe Onyx and Is That A Bid in last Monday’s Kadina Trotters’ Cup.

The daughter of Wishing Stone was also third when first-up, which followed a win from her final appearance before being sent to a paddock.

Pleased with the mare’s progress, trainer Robbie Caton is quietly confident Madame Kelly can secure Sunday’s Kapunda Trotters’ Cup.

“It was a good run…I’m very happy with her,” Caton said. “It surprised me a little, but it is good to see her back to somewhere like her old self.

“She has pulled up a treat, and after a couple of nice runs this time in, she has tightened up nicely.

“I can’t see any reason why she won’t go just as well, if not better on Sunday.”

With Samantha Hill to take the reins, Madame Kelly has drawn three along the front row, but slots into two following a scratching.

Phoebe Onyx is among the six-year-old’s opponents once again, with the multi cup winner pushed back to a 40-metre handicap.

Driven by Gaita Pullicino, Phoebe Onyx overcame a 30-metre mark last time around.

“The handicaps will help and hopefully make a difference at the end,” Caton said. “The first couple of hundred metres will be interesting and could determine the race.

“That said, it is over 2610 metres, so there is plenty of time to sort them out.”