The No Excuse Needed filly, who is set to be named Chelsea Blue, fought off the efforts of a 4yr-old Raise The Flag gelding to win the opening heat at the Otago Racing Club jumpouts at Wingatui yesterday.
Kennedy has been pleased with the progress of the third foal of Seasoned Star mare La Gem and yesterday's jumpout only served to strengthen his impression of the juvenile filly.
''That was her first barrier trial and she did things pretty good. She'll go forward lots so as long as she improves enough, we'll definitely go to Riccarton for that 2yr-old race.''
The 2yr-old 800m on October 22 is a New Zealand Bloodstock Insurance Pearl Series race and the filly is eligible for the bonus series, which would add extra to her coffers should she win the $20,000 race.
The filly won the heat by a nose, just ahead of her stablemate, a 4yr-old Raise The Flag gelding out of Carol.
''She's pretty professional actually, but that's the fastest she's ever been allowed to go. I think, looking forward, she's going to be a pretty good filly.''
Most of Kennedy's runners yesterday will be back for another jumpout in a fortnight, ''then we will go to the races''.
Lydia, who finished third behind Plowshare in an 800m heat, will probably go to Winton on October 9.
Passito held off the Brian and Shane Anderton-trained trio of Gallant Ruby, Tommy Tucker and Fascinate to win the 1000m open heat, which could signal a good season ahead for the Steven Prince-trained mare.
''She's talented,'' Prince said.
''She showed enough last year - that was only her first preparation last year. She had a win, a second and a third and she's come back good this time in. She may go to Winton - we'll see what's available.''
Prince produced four heat winners, including a 4yr-old Darci Brahma gelding who won by eight lengths, and Justice Well in an 800m maiden. Riverton jockey Kevin Kalychurun, who came north from Southland for the jumpouts, rode three of Prince's winners.
Plowshare's win in the second heat was also a tick in the box for Prince.
''He went a couple of good races last year as a 2yr-old and he's come back good. He's grown a wee bit and he'll probably kick off at Oamaru [on October 22].''
Shane Anderton said Tommy Tucker would have another jumpout on October 12 before a race was found for the top miler.
Results.-
Weather, cloudy; track, dead to slow
600m inexperienced: 2f No Excuse Needed-La Gem S Muniandy 1, 4g Raise The Flag-Carol 2, Precious Harmony 3. Three started. Time, 37.65. Ns, 6L. Trainer, T Kennedy.
800m maiden: Plowshare K Kalychurun 1, Raise You Ten 2, Lydia 3. Three started. Time, 50.10. 4L, ½hd. Trainer, S Prince.
800m maiden: Justice Well C Barnes 1, Aulani 2, Westend Madam 3. Three started. Time, 49.40. ½hd, 1L. Trainer, S Prince.
800m open: Passito K Kalychurun 1, Gallant Ruby 2, Tommy Tucker 3. Four started. No time taken. ¾L, ¾L. Trainer, S Prince.
1000m maiden: Squizzy R Roy 1, Our Star Anise 2, Gamma Crucis 3. Four started. Time, 1.01.70. ½L, 2L. Trainer, N Graham.
1000m maiden: 4g Darci Brahma-Dancing Doll K Kalychurun 1, 4m Gallant Guru-Danann 2, Love 'N' Dance 3. Three started. Time, 1.03.10. 8L, 1¾L. Trainer, S Prince.
