Trainer Tony McEvoy is confident French import Kourkam has “come on” since his last start and ready to run a cracking race in Friday’s $170,000 Commercial Club Albury Gold Cup (2000m), reports Racing NSW.
The five-year-old gelding is coming off a last start 2.3 lengths third to Suavito and Sertorius in the Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on March 14.
The son of British stallion American Post loomed to be right in the finish but peaked on his run over the latter stages. He was only second up after scoring a classy win over 1600m at Morphettville on February 28.
“The horse has come on since his good run in the Blamey,” McEvoy said. “I thought he handled the step up to Group 2 company well. He probably peaked on his run over the last 200m but it was a good effort.
Left: Trainer Tony McEvoy is confident ahead of Kourkam's race in Friday's Albury Cup
“The horse is in good shape. I’ve been waiting to get him to 2000 metres. I’m looking forward to it.
“The Blamey run has definitely brought him on.
“I was in Melbourne this week and I liked the look of Kourkam. I haven’t done a lot with him, no gallops, mainly striding work but he looked fit to my eye.”
Kourkam is raced by the Pipeliner Bloodstock Pty Ltd managed by McEvoy’s business partner, Wayne Mitchell, Gary and John Lechte and their wives.
He was got as a maiden from France after four runs. Kourkam has won four races under the astute McEvoy’s care.
“He was a middle of the road cost landed in Australia and I’m sure he will recoup that cost and more,” McEvoy added. “He’s not a very big horse only a small fellow, typically European.
“He’s a kind horse with a good galloping action and easy to work with. “As I said earlier I’m looking forward to getting him to 2000 metres. I think 2000 to 2400 metres is his zone.”
Following the Albury Cup McEvoy is considering a Listed 2000m event in Sydney and the $300,000 Brisbane Cup (2200m) is high on the gelding’s agenda.
Kourkam is the early $4 Albury Cup favourite in a market dominated by visiting Victorian’s.