Winx Stakes: Japanese import Keiai Nautique out to emulate brother Fierce Impact

Fierce Impact is the best horse Warwick Farm conditioner Matthew Smith has trained and he’s hoping that galloper’s younger brother can continue the family legacy this spring starting on Saturday in the Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) at Randwick.

Fierce Impact gave Smith three Group 1 victories – all over a mile in Victoria in the Toorak Handicap, Cantala Stakes and Makybe Diva Stakes during 2019 and 2020.

Two years younger than his sibling, Keiai Nautique is a six-year-old gelding by Deep Impact out of Keiai Gerbera and arrived in Australia the winner of three of his 24 starts, including the Grade 1 NHK Mile Cup (1600m).

“He’s a good style of horse, I definitely think he’ll make the grade here,” Smith said.

“Temperament and physique wise, he’s a very similar horse to Fierce Impact.

“I think the difference between the two is Fierce Impact was more your 1400, miler whereas I think this horse is more a mile, 2000m horse.

“When you look through his Japanese form he looks a horse that’s screaming out for 2000(m) but they never ran him over that trip and they do train them differently in Japan compared with how we condition them in Australia.”

Fierce Impact winning the Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington. Picture: Getty ImagesSource:Supplied

Keiai Nautique has three trials under the belt, having been in work for an extended period which was by design.

Smith said Saturday’s outing is as much a learning curve for himself as it will be for the horse, with lessons to be taken for both from the experience.

“His form is there, he’s a good horse without a doubt,” Smith said.

“I think the 1400m may be a bit too short but you just never know for sure with these imports until race day.

“He was competitive at 1400 and a mile in Japan so it wouldn’t be a complete shock if he exceeds my expectations.

“One thing I am certain about is that he’s a nice horse and he’s going well.

“I had to start him off somewhere and I want three weeks between his first and second-up runs ideally.

“This is a good race to kick him off in and I’ll be guided by his performance as to where he runs next but there are plenty of options both here and interstate. Races like the Chelmsford, Makybe Diva and George Main Stakes.

“I can see him settling around midfield and as long as he’s hitting the line I’m going to be happy.”

Matthew Smith trained Keiai Nautique’s brother Fierce Impact. Picture: AAPSource:AAP

Champion big race rider Glen Boss will be aboard Keiai Nautique which is an outsider at $51 with TAB Fixed Odds for Saturday’s weight-for-age contest.

Meanwhile, Smith has three other acceptances for the Randwick card on Saturday – Montabot in the Gold Coast Turf Club Benchmark 78 Handicap (2400m), Majella in the Midway Benchmark 72 Handicap (1600m) and Dick Whittington in the SAJC Benchmark 78 Handicap (1600m).

“Montabot may not run yet,” Smith said.

“I’ll make a decision on Saturday morning but the track is probably going to be a bit too hard for him.

“Majella has a place chance. She’s going well and she’s drawn to get every chance.

“She’s no start, she just grinds away but she’s a last start winner and will run as well as she can.

“Dick Whittington will probably head up to Queensland on Saturday. I think you’ll see him really start to improve when he gets to 2000 metres, but I just didn’t want to rush him up in trip too quickly.

“I’d just like to try him one more time in a shorter race and it is a bit easier up north at this time of the year.”

Majella is at $9.50 chance at TAB fixed odds.

Originally published asSmith hopes import can follow in Fierce Impact’s footsteps

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