Mad dash for the border on the cards

A LATE night mad dash to the border could be on the cards for Jackson Painting.

With Victoria to impose restrictions on travellers from New South Wales as of 11:59pm, Painting may be asked to move his proposed trip forward several hours.

Painting is due to drive Silent Rapture at Tabcorp Park Melton tomorrow evening.

As this is being written trainer David Kennedy is “ringing around” to ascertain what is required to enable Painting and Silent Rapture take their place in the three-year-old event.

Victoria’s government has declared anyone entering the state from New South Wales must gain a permit, which could be all but impossible in time for Silent Rapture’s pending assignment.

“At this stage I don’t know what is going on,” Kennedy said. “The word around the track has been the border is closed meaning she won’t be going to Melton.

“With the restriction not coming in until midnight Jackson might have a rack up a few miles tonight.

“I’ll have to start ringing around to work out what it is what and make a decision from there.

“Ideally Jackson will be cleared to head down with her, but I don’t want them stuck there either.”

Should Silent Rapture take her position behind the mobile she will attempt to maintain her perfect Australian record.

Joining Kennedy’s stable in September, the daughter of Hes Watching is unbeaten from four Aussie starts.

“I couldn’t have asked for more from her,” Kennedy said. “She has actually surprised us a bit.

“This is another step up on what she has been racing and will be a good test for her.

“She’s drawn two but comes into one, which should see her get a good trip.

“I’m sure she will be competitive, but whether she even gets a chance to compete we’ll have to wait and see.”