Blue-blooded filly Kerber is on target to make her debut in stakes company at Randwick and nobody is more surprised than her trainer.
A $1.15 million purchase, the daughter of champion stallion I Am Invincible out of multiple black-type winner Eloping unequivocally boasts a pedigree for success.
But she also packs a significant physical presence and Johann Gerard-Dubord, assistant trainer to Ciaron Maher, says they fully expected her size to hold her back at two.
“She has got plenty of ability, but she is a very big girl,” Gerard-Dubord said.
“When you look at her, you wouldn’t expect her to be racing at this time of the year.
“Those big horses, they have to carry a big frame. She does have the strength for it but she will keep improving. Whatever she does this time, we’re going to have a good filly in six months’ time.”
Kerber is a dual acceptor for Canterbury on Friday night and Saturday’s Listed Lonhro Plate (1000m), but early indications are she will line up on the more expansive Randwick track after drawing well in barrier five.
She has performed nicely in two trials, given a quiet time when fourth to two-time city placegetter Namaste at her first public appearance before finishing third to last weekend’s brilliant Widden Stakes runner-up Tempted at her most recent.
She has impressed the stable with her raw talent and Gerard-Dubord feels she deserves an opportunity to showcase her wares.
“She does everything well at home she has got a very good mind. We just want to get her started,” he said.
“She has a lot of talent, it’s just whether it’s too early.
“With the pedigree she’s got, you’ve got to give her a chance.”
Devil Night, a $1.4 million buy, will also launch his career in the Lonhro Plate for Team Hawkes, although he has drawn awkwardly in barrier 11.
Golden Gift placegetter Extractor was a $3.80 betting app favourite on Thursday with Kerber ($26) and Devil Night ($34) both at double-figure odds.