Value at Caulfield? The $7.50 Tasmanian runner who will be "very competitive"

By Matt Reid

Trainer John Keys has taken his team across two states this weekend, hoping for a change of luck for his stable.

Keys has had 12 placings since his last win in Hobart on 22 March, while several others that have missed the top three have been luckless in running. One of those was Verbano, who ran fifth at Warrnambool on Thursday.

“We just got too far back, and she peaked 50 metres from the post,” said Keys of his seven-year-old mare, who was racing at the famous Warrnambool Carnival for the third straight year.

After making the trip down the Victorian coast, Keys is heading back into the city on Saturday with two of his stable stars. Cartoon Graveyard will contest a BM100 over 1400m, and Swift Force a BM78 over 1100m, at Caulfield.

Cartoon Graveyard ran at Flemington on Anzac Day, going to the line under a hold when caught on the rail behind tiring horses.

“Jake (Noonan, jockey) just said we had no luck. There was a gap, but two of us went for it, and it was a complete forget run. He also said that on the feel he gave me, you're in for a great prep.”

Craig Newitt will ride Cartoon Graveyard at Caulfield, drawing barrier 2 in a field of 10. Newitt will also have the ride on Swift Force, who has her first interstate start in the final race of the day.

“Swift Force badly needs a trip away as she’s a real brat. I do think, whatever happens, it’s going to be beneficial for her in the long run,” Keys said.

“Clearly, she’s quick enough; the times she runs suggest she can be very competitive.”

Swift Force has won three of her four career starts, the most recent being the $125,000 3YO Classic (1200m) in Launceston on Cup Day. She’s a $7.50 chance (with Sportsbet) on Saturday but may come into favouritism if the early market elect, Marsept, who is third emergency, doesn’t gain a start.

Keys has six runners entered in Hobart on Sunday, most of which appear to have legitimate winning claims.

“I like Sky Land in the last. The topweight (Nicco the Greek) has plenty of weight. I think with Erica (Byrne Burke) on board is a positive, and the trick to her is finding a horse to follow, as we particularly don’t know about her at the distance.”

Keys also gave a good push for Wounded Eagle in the maiden (1430m) and Accusaient, who resumes in a class 1 (1200m).

“We’ve been confident that Wounded Eagle has some ability, and it was a terrific ride from Georgie.

“He only has to repeat that effort to go close again, and we’ve got the same barrier (1).

“Everything we see with Accusaient, she’s improving all the time, and like the half-brother (First Accused), she’s only going to get better with racing.”