Knuckey back aboard Keysbrook for Oaks | The West Australian

Robert EdwardsThe West Australian Trainer Phil Humann has put Peter Knuckey back on Keysbrook in a bid to claim a second success in Saturday’s $100,000 Belmont Oaks (2000m). Lucas Camilleri

deputised with Knuckey committed to Liberty’s Gem when she ran fourth to geldings Tradesman, Charge Ahead and Coming Back in the Belmont Guineas (1600m) on June 20. Humann, who rode his

biggest winner on La Trice in the 1972 Lee-Steere Stakes, has always kept a small string of horses in work since hanging up his riding boots in 1984. Humann’s reputation for producing the

best out of cheapies is again on display with Keysbrook, who was a $1750 buy at the 2013 Perth winter sale and has now returned $251,850 in stakes. The 66-year-old has achieved similar feats

with his other stable stars including, Finito, Dexian, City Jewel, Eagle City and Rantorini, who won the 2012 Belmont Oaks. Keysbrook was bought by hobby breeder and owner Steve Thornton,

who won the 1983 Karrakatta Plate with Scornvale and raced City Jewel and Eagle City in the 1990s. Dexian won the TJ Smith Stakes, Lee-Steere Classic, Dayana Plate and Belmont Classic during

his three-year-old season. “Steve bought three horses for $6000,” Humann said. “The other one I had was Jewel Sasso, who was very fast. She had a huge amount of speed but she chipped a bone

in her knee and is now retired. “Keysbrook is a tough filly who can win over 1400m to 1600m but she is at her best at a distance. She simply defies her sprinting pedigree.” Keysbrook is now

a valuable filly with her seconds to the outstanding three-year-old Delicacy in the WA Oaks (2400m) and WATC Derby (2400m) last autumn. “Peter rode her in her work on the grass at Belmont

this morning,” Humann said. Trainer Fred Kersley could withdraw North Ridge from Saturday’s Dayana Plate (2000m) after he drew 13 of 14 entries. North Ridge missed the Belmont Guineas and

has not raced since winning over 1400m at Belmont on June 6. “That is terrible luck in the draw,” Kersley said. “Clearly he is a query at the distance and he may not accept.” GET THE LATEST

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