Mitchell Kerr, who has branched out on his own as a trainer, is ready to make his mark with Forgotten Highway.
Forgotten Highway won over 2000m from the mobile gate in a 2.00.1 mile rate at the Rangiora trials on Tuesday (23/8/16) after qualifying at Ashburton a fortnight earlier.
He is a 3-year-old by Bettor’s Delight from Grace Way purchased by Paul Kerr for $75,000 at the 2015 Australasian Classic Sale.
“I will start him (Forgotten Highway) at Addington on Friday night,’’ said Kerr.
Forgotten Highway is among three horses Kerr has in work at Woodend Beach on the property of David and Catherine Butt. He also assists trainer Robert Dunn, whose son, John is located on the same property.
Mitchell trained the winners of 24 races the past two seasons in partnership with his father, Paul at Ohoka. They included Whozideawasthis (nine wins), Alta Jerome (six) and Princess Arts ( seven). The first two were sold to Australia and Princess Arts is due to foal to Somebeachsomewhere.
“Dad was keen for me to have a crack at training on my own and I have been fortunate to link up with the Dunns,’’ said Mitchell. “I had owners prepared to support me.”
Mitchell said the sale of The Pima Indian to Perth was a boost to his fortunes. He was a part-owner of The Pima Indian, a Changeover – Custom Franco colt who qualified at Rangiora in June as a late 2-year-old.
Tayler Strong