Racing
Charlie out to back-up Sandown success
Trainer Lloyd Kennewell is taking a leap of faith with last start maiden winner Loud Charlie.
Lloyd Kennewell likes to aim high with his horses and he hopes the big league is where Loud Charlie belongs.
After breaking through for his maiden win at Sandown at the end of last month, Loud Charlie heads to the Group 3 C S Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on Saturday.
And a good showing from the gelding on Saturday could see Loud Charlie in contention for the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on February 28.
Loud Charlie created a good impression with his win at Sandown on January 28 after being beaten on debut at Terang on January 2.
The son of Prague chased home Asakura at Terang and that gelding's only appearance since he was a 2-¾ length winner at Geelong on January 26.
Asakura and Loud Charlie are down to clash for a second time on Saturday.
Kennewell said Loud Charlie gained a lot of experience from his first start to his second start and is expecting the same again on Saturday.
"He's on the up," Kennewell said.
"His sectionals were very good the other day.
"I've always liked him as a horse, but he's just got to keep climbing the ladder at this time of the year, so we'll give him his chance as they're only three once.
"The Guineas is there for him potentially afterwards, but we'll see what happens Saturday, but he's in good order and he'll be thereabouts."
A field of 13 has accepted for the C S Hayes on Saturday which is the traditional lead-up to the Australian Guineas two weeks later.
Loud Charlie has drawn out in gate 12 and will be ridden Jamie Mott who was successful on the gelding at Sandown.
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