Clarken Racing | Clarken Racing News 59030 Kuroyanagi Could Be Anything

One of the finds of the autumn returns to the races this weekend with endless possibilities ahead of a spring campaign.

South Australian filly Kuroyanagi was somewhat of a surprise packet rocketing into Blue Diamond calculations after a scintillating jump out at Murray Bridge and eventually ran third in the two-year-old classic behind winner Hayasugi and runner-up Lady Of Camelot who would go on to win the Golden Slipper.

Those form lines have trainers Will Clarken and Niki O’Shea brimming from ear to ear as spring nears.

“She’s the most exciting horse we have, she could be absolutely anything,” O’Shea said.

“It’s great to have her back, we’re delighted with the way she’s been going, hopefully we can kick off her preparation on the right note.”

The $390,000 daughter of Written Tycoon resumes in the Listed Lightning Stakes (1050m) for two and three-year-old gallopers at Morphettville this Saturday off a trial at Balaklava which featured talented open class horses.

“She was in pretty good company that day and she’s worked well since then so she’s on the right track,” O’Shea said.

“It would be great to win but obviously it’s hard against the older horses, first up, and on presumably testing ground.”

When looking ahead at the spring calendar, O’Shea says there are many races suitable for Kuroyanagi, but one thing needs to be determined first.

“I don’t really think anyone knows what her best trip is yet,” O’Shea said.

“You’d assume she gets 1400m no worries but the way her action is you’d say she could be a Guineas filly, but then she’s also got a lot of speed so she might not want that far.

“That’s something we’ll have to figure out or let us tell her, so we won’t be making any firm plans.”

Kuroyanagi is an $8 chance to win the Thousand Guineas in November with Sportsbet.

Clarken and O’Shea also have Hajra and Desert Dancing nominated for the Lightning Stakes.