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Wyong trainer Allan Kehoe has Grafton July Carnival aspirations with his good sprinter Ice Bucket.
Kehoe is eyeing the $50,000 Sir James Kirby Handicap (1000m) with the four-year-old gelding.
Kehoe has Ice Bucket entered for the Bothamley & O’Donohue Pty Ltd Autumn Dash (1215m) at Grafton on Tuesday, likely to be his final run before a freshen up leading into the Kirby.
This is Kehoe’s first preparation with the son of Nadeem after being purchased as a tried horse by a syndicate headed by Mitch Courte, an old school mate of Kehoe’s partner and part-owner, Kimberly Clarke.
The gelding was previously trained by Garry Moore.
Under Moore Ice Bucket won three races from six starts.
Kehoe has continued the gelding’s good win strike rate with two wins in five starts.
Ice Bucket is yet to win over 1200m but the trip holds no fears for Kehoe.
“He’ll run a strong 1200 metres, no worries,” Kehoe said confidently. “His two runs for me over 1200 metres have both been at metropolitan meetings at the provincials.
“And he wasn’t beaten far in either. He probably felt the pinch second up at Gosford and at Wyong he was only beaten 1.9 lengths.
“All the jockeys that have ridden him say he’ll get 1200 metres. I think he’ll eventually get 1400 ridden right.
“We’ve worked him out now. He doesn’t have to be up with the leaders. He’s just as effective taking a sit.”
Ice Bucket is a striking black horse – “a real eye catcher” Kehoe added. “He’s a very solid horse, chunky and an easy horse to work with.
“Kids could ride him,” Kehoe added. “He’s a very easy going fella who just likes stable life.”
Ice Bucket is coming off a last start three-quarter length win in the Lone Pine Charge at Muswellbrook on April 29 when he came from just off the pace with a determined finish.
“He had a few days out on the farm chilling out after Muswellbrook,” Kehoe said. “He’s freshened up nicely. He’s pleased me with what he’s done.
“He’s a happy horse.”
Ice Bucket’s task has been made easier with Paddy Cunningham electing to scratch Crossroad. The gelding will be saved for the $60,000 Country Cup at Scone on Friday.
