Perfect time to break bridesmaid status

CLASSY filly Keayang Kurki selected the perfect time to break her bridesmaid status in major races this season.

Heading into last night’s Melton meeting, Keayang Kurki had finished second in a pair of Group Ones and a $125,000 Final for trainer Antti Ruokonen.

With Ruokonen’s family arriving from Finland on Friday, Keayang Kurki marked the occasion by capturing a Breeders’ Crown Final.

“Winning a Group One is such an amazing feeling, but to do so with my family here made it all the more pleasing,” Ruokonen said. “It was great to be able to share the night with my mother (Aura Maarit Skutnabb) and brother (Jesse).

“They’ve come to Australia for Christmas, so the timing couldn’t have been better.

“Kurki is going for a spell and so am I. I’m taking a week in Queensland with my family, while I haven’t decided how long she will have off.”

With Jason Lee holding the reins, Keayang Kurki began well from barrier three to be settled two-back along the pegs as I Am Wilma worked to the lead.

Angled to the outside around the final bend, the daughter of Royalty For Life finished strongly along the middle of the home straight to score by a metre-and-a-half from I Am Wilma.

Gatesys Gem, which led before being eased to take a trail, was three metres away third in 1:59.1 over 2240 metres.

“She’s been good all year and deserved that win,” Ruokonen said. “She always tries her best and hasn’t put in a bad run.

“After the run she got she was always going to finish off well and I’m just so happy she ran on the way she did.”