Exciting frontrunner Keen Commander has enjoyed his let-up and is ready to go one better in the Group Two Challenge Stakes at Randwick on Saturday.The five-year-old was beaten a length in last year's 1000-metre race by Hurried Choice before going on to go agonisingly close in the Group One The Galaxy (1100m) in which Typhoon Zed beat him by a half-head.Trainer Denise McGrath is also looking at another crack at The Galaxy on April 11 but wants to get Saturday out of the way first."He's really thr
Exciting frontrunner Keen Commander has enjoyed his let-up and is ready to go one better in the Group Two Challenge Stakes at Randwick on Saturday.
The five-year-old was beaten a length in last year's 1000-metre race by Hurried Choice before going on to go agonisingly close in the Group One The Galaxy (1100m) in which Typhoon Zed beat him by a half-head.
Trainer Denise McGrath is also looking at another crack at The Galaxy on April 11 but wants to get Saturday out of the way first.
"He's really thrived since his break and produced a very strong gallop on Wednesday and is ready for a big run," McGrath said.
Keen Commander had a nine week let-up after his brilliant win in the Magic Millions Sprint at the Gold Coast in January when he carried topweight of 60kg with Corey Brown in the saddle.
He won a barrier trial by four lengths at Warwick Farm on February 27.
"Corey rode him in the gallop this week and I get the impression that he really likes this horse, not just because of his ability but also the fact he puts so much effort in every time he races," McGrath said.
Keen Commander, a dual stakeswinner, has drawn barrier two.
"Hopefully the track isn't too chopped up by race eight and as long he shows his scintillating early speed he will be able to dictate terms," McGrath said.
"Corey will know where the best place is going to be by the time he races."
Randwick track manager Dave Hodgson said the surface was a dead four on Friday and he expected possible improvement to a good track by race day.
"We haven't had any serious rain since Monday and the storm forecast tonight is for out west, so we should be right," Hodgson said.
McGrath said Keen Commander could run in next Saturday's Group Three Star Kingdom Stakes (1100m) if everything goes to plan in the Challenge.
"Because he throws so much into his races we have to take it carefully with him but next Saturday could be a nice race for him and then on to the Galaxy," she said.
TAB Sportsbet has Keen Commander as $3.70 favourite ahead of Hoystar and Disciplined who are locked at $5.50.