Kenning's juvenile pair in Cluden Park spotlight

By Garry Dell

Townsville trainer Bill Kenning isn't the least bit concerned about being the "odd man out" when his winning juveniles Beau Rain and Roweiner's Dance resume at Cluden Park on Tuesday.

The unbeaten Beau Rain and Roweiner's Dance (three wins from four starts) are both owned by females and will be ridden by the experienced Bonnie Thomson and apprentice Isabella Teh, respectively, in the QTIS Two-Year-Old Handicap over 1000 metres.

Beau Rain is raced by long-term stable client Del Kiernan from the Gold Coast and Roweiner's Dance by Kenning's partner Julie Bell, who bred the gelded son of Sidestep from her speedy mare Roweiner.

Beau Rain is also sired by Sidestep and was purchased through the Magic Millions March sale for $36,000.

"Unfortunately, Beau Rain isn't QTIS registered while Roweiner's Dance is and there's a difference in earnings," Kenning said.

"But, they're both going well and on target for the rich Northern 2YO Classic in June.

"We've just been ticking them over between a few days out in the paddock and back into the stables for full work.

"Both are going along really nicely although Beau Rain might be slightly more forward of the two.

"He won a trial the other day in smart time and pulled up well."

The two youngsters have been instrumental in giving Kenning a good start to the season with nine wins already from a small number in the stable.

"Bonnie is a really good jockey of juveniles and she has a knack of getting them out quickly and into a racing pattern," Kenning. 

"Isabella is riding really well and did a good job on Roweiner's Dance last time. She can claim three kilograms which will give Roweiner's Dance a slight weight advantage.

"There's nothing between the pair but I just feel Beau Rain is the more forward and might have the edge.

"I'd be happy if they dead-heated but that might be a bit too much to hope for.

"Whichever way it goes, we've got a fair bit to go before the Classic, so we'll just keep them ticking over and spacing their races."

Kenning has a keen eye for young stock and won seven races with filly Lady Yendor a few seasons ago.