Puerto Rico to pay for himself in Friday’s TAB Federal

In what will be just his third start for Matthew Kelley, Puerto Rico will have paid his way and then some if he is able to win Friday’s TAB Federal (1200m) at Thoroughbred Park.

 “We bought him online for $15,000 about five months ago so if he can get up on Friday we’ll be in front already.” Kelley said.

“He came to us in paddock condition and had a few niggling issues but we’ve fixed those now and he’s a bundle of health which is evident in his two runs for us to date.”

A four-year-old son of Dream Ahead, Puerto Rico has had two starts for Kelley recording a 3rd and a 2nd.

“He’s performed really well in his two starts for me underneath Rochelle (Wedret-Kroezen) who’s done a great job on him mitigating big weights.” Kelley said. “He’s up in grade here so down in the weights and I think he’s ready to peak here at the 1200m under a senior rider.”

Kelley will partner with Nick Heywood who will pilot Puerto Rico after he drew perfectly in Barrier 3.

“We’ll go forward from the draw and look to lead unless something goes silly” Kelley said.

“He’s a go forward horse so that should suit him, as should the conditions if the rain comes.”

It has been a massive week for Matthew Kelley having run third in the $500,000 Country Championships Final with star galloper I’ve Bean Tryin’.

Kelley will look to do the feature double on Friday at Thoroughbred Park and has a live chance in Port Douglas entered in the Canberra Southern Cross Club Tuggeranong Cup (1600m).

“He was an excellent last start winner.” Kelley said of Port Douglas’ win in a Benchmark 58 at the Sapphire Coast just a week ago.

Port Douglas is currently first emergency for the first running of the Tuggeranong Cup where if afforded a run, will be on the quick back up.

“He’s in great condition and I think he’s come on great after the win.”