Caulfield opener set to prove a good form reference for those engaged.
Lloyd Kennewell's representation in the opening event at Caulfield this Saturday could be halved by racetime, but he expects the 1000-metre event to prove a valuable tool for not only him, but all represented.
The Cranbourne horseman is convinced it will take a quality two-year-old to win the $150,000 event.
Kennewell has accepted with last-start Bendigo winner Landmark and Capitalist first-starter Tippytay, who could have multiple city winner Blue Renegade, last-start eye-catcher Husk and high-priced debutant First Settler for competition.
"This race is probably going to be a good form race because I reckon there's a lot of talent there, from the unraced as well as the raced," Kennewell said.
"You'll get a good guide on where you're at with your horse."
Kennewell, who trains in partnership with Lucy Yeomans, therefore considers it a good stepping-stone for Landmark, a son of Nicconium who resumed with a 1000m Bendigo win on June 15.
It was the only start since flopping on debut at Pakenham in January for the half-brother to one-time promising filly Mozzie Monster and Kennewell was thrilled to see him run up to his work at home.
"I thought he'd win first start in a race, but he went terribly and pulled up with a bit of post-race virus, so we put him away and brought him back.
"He trialled up super and went to the races and won as we thought he would first-up.
"He's drawn a good marble (barrier two), so he'll run a nice race and we're going to find out on Saturday where we are in the pecking order."
Kennewell said it also a suitable race for Tippytay, but she could head Warracknabeal for Friday's 1000m open maiden if the track remains a Soft 5 or better with rain predicted for Melbourne on Saturday.
"She's a Capitalist filly and they majority of them hate any cut in the track," he said.
"She's a nice filly, but I don't really want to run her past 1000 (metres) and I want to run her on a good surface, so it's all come about at an awkward time of year for her."
Ryan Houston will partner Tippytay wherever she runs, while Luke Currie has the ride aboard Landmark.
