Stable stars clash tonight in Graduate

22 August 2014 | Cody Winnell
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The fixed odds money has come all week for Keayang Steamer tonight at Tabcorp Park Melton.

The fixed odds money has come all week for Keayang Steamer tonight at Tabcorp Park Melton.

One of the most intriguing battles in harness racing this weekend will occur tonight at Tabcorp Park Melton.

Marg Lee trained duo Keayang Steamer and Keayang Cullen will contest the Group 2, $60,505 Empire Stallions Breeders Crown Graduate Pacers Free-For-All in what promises to be a tantalising duel.

The barrier draw has added extra spice to the race, Keayang Steamer to come out of gate four and Keayang Cullen – shooting for seven straight wins – following him out from the back row.

While Cullen takes winning form into the “Battle of the Keayangs”, Steamer is the one who has attracted early money. TAB has reported bets of $800 at $2.80 and $600 at $2.60 on Keayang Steamer during the week. He’s now into $2.40.

Keayang Cullen is still the favourite but his odds have eased from even money to $2.10.

Lee was uncommitted when asked which of her two chances was the strongest winning hope tonight, saying there wasn’t much between them in at home in recent track work.

“We’ve only started working them together at the last two workouts,” Lee said, pointing to the vastly different stages both horses were at in their preparations.

Five-year-old Steamer ran fifth when first-up from a long break last start, failing to pick up after a three-back-the-markers trip.

“He needed the run,” Lee said. “He’s improved since then.”

Keayang Cullen has been up a while and is in blistering form.

The question will be how much Steamer has improved since the first-up run. And tactics will play a big role as Keayang Steamer is not a traditionally fast beginner off the arm, meaning driver Glen Craven will have a conundrum: Does he press forward and attack Asoka or Lombo Tuscanini, who both begin quick, or ease early, slot in and try for a cheap run?

Jason Lee will steer six-year-old Keayang Cullen.

“The whole team is really enjoying themselves with how he’s going,” Marg Lee said.

Keayang Steamer will target the Hunter Cup and the Inter Dominion over the summer months, while Keayang Cullen is likely bound for New South Wales to embark on a Miracle Mile campaign.

 

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