By Glenn Davis
Trainer Les Kelly is hopeful promising sprinter Elixir can make a successful step up to the metropolitan area by completing a hat-trick of wins at the Gold Coast on Wednesday.
Elixir will be ridden by apprentice Adin Thompson, whose three-kilogram claim offsets his 59kgs in the TAB Class Four Plate (1350m).
Four-year-old Elixir has started only 17 times for four wins and nine placings but importantly three of his wins have been on his home track at the Gold Coast.
His other victory was against Class One opposition at Murwillumbah in August this year.
The gelding’s trainer Les Kelly believes the son of Exceed and Excel is looking for a return to 1300 metres after storming home to win over 1100 metres for apprentice Leah Kilner at the Gold Coast on November 5.
“Leah would have ridden him but she’s suspended so I booked Adin who has a three-kilo claim,” Kelly said.
“He should run very well again and he loves the Gold Coast but he has been in work for some time.”
Elixir won his only start over 1300 metres at his previous start against class two opposition at the Gold Coast on October 19.
Elixir was a costly $280,000 buy for James Harron Bloodstock at the Magic Millions yearling sales in 2017 but was later sold to Kelly before he raced.
“He’s run over 1400 metres and he’s run some good races but he doesn’t quite get 1400 metres,” Kelly said.
“I think 1300 metres is his pet distance and he’s been placed in a Saturday city class race before.
“He comes in really well at the weights under the Plate conditions.”
Elixir is one of four runners Kelly has engaged at the Gold Coast and is easily the Gold Coast trainer’s best hope.
His other runners are The Demtel Man in the Aquis Raceday January 4 Maiden Handicap (1200m), Mysterious Lady in the TAB Calcutta January 9 Maiden Handicap (1200m) and Desmon’s Pride in the Aquis Raceday January 4 Open Handicap (1400m).
Racing Queensland webnews November 26