3 minute read
Trainer Yassy Nishitani thought enough of Kaytee Valiente to contemplate aiming him at some feature two-year-old races, but a sesamoid injury during his debut performance in early November last year ended any chance of that eventuating.
In Brief
- Owners and trainer rewarded for patience.
- Kaytee Valiente leaves rivals in his wake.
- Maiden winner has bright future.
After a year away from racing the gelded son of Unencumbered is ready to reignite his career and in Launceston on Wednesday night he started his comeback the best way possible with an effortless all-the-way win in a maiden over 1220 metres.
With reigning premier jockey Codi Jordan aboard, Kaytee Valiente, showed his rivals a clean pair of heels throughout to account for a strong field to score by a length from Miss Red ($6.50) that enjoyed the run of the race behind the leader.
"We have looked after him and watched his progress carefully and most of his early work was with treadmill training," Nishitani said.
"The vet checked him often and we knew he was ready to go again."
Kaytee Valiente was purchased at the Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale in 2020 for $26,000.
"The owners, (Takimoto family) bought him for me to train and I always thought he was a special horse.
"This win will make the owners very happy, and I am confident he can go on and win again."
Jordan allowed the gelding to find his feet and once in front she allowed him to set a solid tempo, without overtaxing him and it paid dividends.
"He is a nice horse with a big stride and while he was a little bit wayward in the straight due to inexperience, I think he has a lot more to give," Jordan said.
