No intentions of aiming high…yet!

ALTHOUGH it was jokingly suggested a Queensland Derby trip should be on the cards, popular horsewoman Kelly Stuart-Mitchell has no intentions of aiming that high…yet!

Extending her solid strike rate with her boutique team, Stuart-Mitchell was triumphant with Keayang Omar in Stawell yesterday, but has made no plans – grand or miniscule – with the gelding.

In what was his debut for Stuart-Mitchell, who part-owns the three-year-old, Keayang Omar showed above average ability by leading throughout from barrier two.

“I couldn’t be happier with his run,” Stuart-Mitchell said. “That was only his second start and first for me and he did well.

“Hopefully it’s the beginning of a good career.

“I haven’t got any plans for him at this stage, but a winter escape in Queensland would be nice.”

With Jason Lee holding the reins, Keayang Omar had no trouble finding the front as Ashford Shark was settled in the ‘death seat’.

Fending off the initial challenge at the top of the home straight, the son of Lincoln Royal showed plenty of grit along the home straight to score by a metre-and-a-half from the fast-finishing Emer.

Betterthan Popsy was a head away third.

Also owned by Stuart-Mitchell’s partner, Darren Aitken, Keayang Omar rated 2:00 over 1785 metres.

“He had been working well so I was confident he would run a good race, but I am never overly confident of a win,” Stuart-Mitchell said.

“That was his first run for six months, so he will certainly improve from it.

“He may even surprise us enough during the next few months to earn a trip to Queensland!”