Kirkup’s Light Press tackles TAB Federal first up

Four-year-old mare Light Press has been a revelation since joining Garry Kirkup’s stable in early-2023, registering four wins and five places in her 12 starts for the Canberra Trainer. 

Light Press enters this Wednesday’s TAB Federal (1080m) first up and will look to add to her strong fresh record that already includes two wins and Kirkup is bullish about her chances.

“She’s a really good first up horse.” Kirkup said. “She’s got a couple wins fresh for us already and last preparation she was just unlucky caught wide in a strong TAB Highway.”

“She’s been a great buy, she was pretty cheap too. She’s been really good since she’s joined us, I wish they all went like that.”

“She’s been working beautifully, just as well as last prep so I think she’s a great chance here on Wednesday.”

Light Press has drawn favourably in barrier 1 with Teaghan Martin and Kirkup plans to take advantage of the inside alley.

“It’s a nice draw, we’ll look to kick up but there looks to be plenty of speed with Matt’s (Kelley) Spinosauras engaged so we’ll just look to sit behind and strike late.”

Another who can be put in the ‘astute buy’ category, Spinosauras is humming for Canberra Trainer Matthew Kelley, having won both starts this preparation. 

Previously in the care of Gary Portelli, Spinosauras is a speedy son of Zoustar who will be in front at some stage. 

Wednesday’s TAB Federal may also mark the return of Keith Dryden’s Fangela, who was last sighted in the Listed Seears Workwear National Sprint (1400m) back in March.

He hasn’t been missed by the handicapper and will carry 66.5kg minus apprentice Rebecca Bronett Prag’s 3kg claim, if he is to go around on Wednesday.