The Gong next for winning machine Kirwan’s Lane

[Wandering Eyes]

Kirwan’s Lane (NZ) (Charm Spirit) made it career victory number ten as he narrowly landed the Listed Ladies Day Cup (1600m) at Hawkesbury on Thursday under a well-timed Tom Sherry ride.

The John O’Shea-trained six-year-old is a stable favourite and brought his career earnings to A$650,975 when eventually getting the better of $51 outsider Momack, with The Frontman (NZ) (Makfi) getting home well for third.

“He’s a winner. That’s ten wins now and he is a credit to himself. It got a bit sticky there, a bit muddling and he got himself out of trouble,” O’Shea’s Assistant Trainer Tom Charlton said.

“Tom (Sherry) got him in a beautiful spot, it just got a bit tricky around the top there and in fairness to Tom, the runner-up probably wasn’t the one he thought he had to beat. Credit to the second horse, Blake (Ryan, trainer) did give it a big push before and it was a great race.

The A$1 million The Gong (1600m) at Kembla Grange on November 19 is the likely target for the son of Charm Spirit.

“We will hopefully get a bit of weight relief there and another big pot (of money) that we can target,” Charlton said.

“There are a really good group of owners in this horse, led by Ron Finemore who has been such a great supporter.

“He is having such a good run and I am sure he will be happy at home.”

Charlton said Kirwan’s Lane, who was bred by Christopher Grace, was a pleasure to train.

“He turns up with a summer coat every preparation. He puts his heart on his sleeve and into every piece of work, which we have to manage. He just loves the game. He never leaves any feed and he is a real stable favourite.

“I am sure when he finishes racing one day he is going to enjoy lovely green pastures somewhere near Ron Finemore.”

Out of the Savabeel mare Galway, a sister to stakes winners Shillelagh, Tullamore and Grazia, Kirwan’s Lane was bought for $170,000 from the draft of Little Avondale Stud at Karaka in 2018.

A half-brother by All American is set to be offered as lot 102 at the upcoming New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale through the draft of Kiltannon Stables.

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