Ken Kelso says All-Star Mile a possibility for unbeaten Legarto

Kiwi filly Legarto could be Melbourne-bound this autumn carnival but not before lining up for her sixth win in Saturday’s Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m) at Pukekohe in New Zealand

The excitement machine Legarto was the dominant winner of last year’s Group 1 NZ 1000 Guineas and remains unbeaten after five starts.

Ken Kelso, who trains in partnership with his wife Bev, says a raid on Melbourne shores is on the cards for Legarto but wants to get through Saturday’s assignment first.

“It’s the same sort of thing with her as it is with Levante, we’re having a look at Melbourne with both for the autumn but we just want to get her through Saturday before we fully decide where we go next,” Kelso said.

“She’s in the Karaka Million on Saturday and she’s going great leading into the race.

“It’s a million dollar race on our back doorstep so we’re pretty keen to have a crack there before we set anything in stone.

“We gave her an exhibition gallop last Friday, she worked up nice there and I’m very happy with how she’s come up.”

Bookies rate the daughter of Proisir as a $2.40 chance to salute while she’s prominent in the market for some of the top races during Melbourne’s autumn carnival.

Kelso indicated a path towards the All-Star Mile could be on the cards for the three-year-old filly.

Mystic Journey won the inaugural edition of the race as a three-year-old coming through the Australian Guineas and a similar path could be on the cards for Legarto.

“If we do send her over a race like the Australian Guineas could suit into the All-Star Mile,” Kelso said.

“It’s a $5m race so it’s on the radar but we’ve got some time to figure it out and will have a chat with the owners.

“If it doesn’t work out she’s nominated in everything here, the Oaks and Derby so those sort of races.”

Legarto sits on the second line of betting for the Australian Guineas at $10 while she’s a $26 chance for the All-Star Mile.