Beau on Back-Up and Ready to Peak

Talented five-year-old Beau Rain will take another step towards a Townsville Cup campaign later in the year when he chases an off-season victory at Cluden Park on Thursday.

Wulguru trainer Bill Kenning is keen to claim a win with Beau Rain in the Great Northern Brewing Co. Open Hcp (1400m) before focusing on a return Cup tilt in August.

Beau Rain was one of the favourites in last year’s Cup but had a torrid run from barrier 16 and finished last.

Kenning is keen to give the son of Sidestep another chance at the big race and is using short summer preparation as an early platform.

And he’s super confident the eight-time Cluden winner is cherry ripe for Thursday’s assignment after two runs back from a spell, including a close second to Burraneer Boy over 1300m last Friday.

With regular jockey Lacey Morrison booked, on a quick back-up and with outstanding wet track form, the only negative Kenning sees is a tricky draw in nine alley in the field of 12 

“He’s spot on after going over 1200m and 1300m, and now stepping up to the 1400m,” Kenning said.

“I’ve backed him up a couple of times in the past and he excels on it actually.

“He hasn’t taken a step back since his run the other day which he probably needed. He was stuck out there and too handy and was vulnerable and they got him late.

“But he’s improved since then and I expect him to be hard to beat.

“The draw is a bit sticky but hopefully with that run under his belt he can settle a bit and with the long run down the back find a spot just off the pace.”

Beau Rain, who claimed the Townsville Guineas over 1609m in 2024, continued his rise through the grades before being given his ultimate distance test in last year’s Cup after winning a key lead-up.

But his fate was sealed when he drew barrier 18 and jumped from 16 in the final field and dropped out after leading early in a race that won in track record time by Quothquan.

Kenning still harbours a niggling doubt about Beau Rain’s staying ability but wants to give him another chance, hopefully this time from a low draw.

“I wanted to win a race before I let up on him for a while until carnival,” Kenning said.

“This week's race is probably the race for him. Everything has fallen into place and I’d be disappointed if he didn’t give it a shake.

“I’ll focus again on the Cup. You have to put a pen through last year. He drew the outside barrier and it didn’t go to plan from out there.

“A hard run wasn’t what you wanted, especially when you’re a bit suspect at the trip.

“If he’s ever going to run the trip it could be this year.

“His rating is getting right up there and there’s nothing else around for him up here really.

“I think the Cleveland Bay would be too short for him so the only race you can concentrate on with him is the Townsville Cup.”

The open hcp is race 6 on Thursday’s seven-event card which will also feature boom two-year-old Better Blitzem in the WRC Tickets on Sale Now 2YO QTIS Hcp (1200m).