Trainer Olivia Cairns has seen her initial frustrations with Kobability transform into confidence, and on Thursday, they are set to pursue a third straight victory at Ipswich.
The five-year-old mare, a daughter of Kobayashi, will attempt to build on recent wins in a Doomben maiden and a Sunshine Coast 0-58 race when she contests the Vince Insurance Class 2 Plate (1690m) to conclude the day’s events.
These victories mark the first two career wins for Kobability, whose record now stands at 20 starts. Cairns expressed relief at the horse’s recent turnaround.
“Her work’s always been super – she’s always worked good enough to win a race anywhere in the world – so it got quite frustrating that she could work so good but do so bad,” Cairns stated.
Cairns elaborated on the mare’s previous struggles, noting, “But on the physical side of it, she just wasn’t strong enough to maintain the strength for racing.”
The trainer highlighted the positive changes this preparation: “This time in, from the get-go, she was a lot stronger and she came back in with a lot more condition on her. She’s held her condition, has looked a lot better and lot stronger and she’s going well.”
Kobability, now under Cairns’ care after an unsuccessful debut under Kelly Schweida, has dictated terms from the front in her last two starts, winning over 1350m at Doomben and then over 1600m most recently.
She faces a slight increase in distance this week, a factor Cairns is monitoring, though she anticipates Kobability’s racing style will prove beneficial at Ipswich.
“I would have probably rather it be a mile (1600m) – I think a mile might pull her up – so whether she’ll see that out is my only concern,” Cairns admitted. “But her customary role seems to be to race up in the first four or handy and get that nice roll along, because she gives you a length on straightening and then maintains it and I think that’s where she’s winning her races.”
Cejay Graham, who guided Kobability to victory at the Sunshine Coast, will partner the mare again at Ipswich. They are set to start from barrier six in a field of 13 runners.
For those looking to get involved, check out the latest Australian betting sites for the best odds.
