Ninja aims at target

McKelvie will line up Killara Ninja in the Interior Constructions Three Year Old Pace (1755m) and he’s looking to take advantage of a better draw.

The three-year-old filly has drawn barrier eight for her latest assignment, after finishing fourth in a NSW Breeders Challenge heat in her last start.

After a win three starts back, the fourth placing was only the second time she’d finished outside the top two, and McKelvie is confident of her chances.

“She’s been racing well from terrible draws and should get a good run through and if she’s close enough she won’t be far away,” McKelvie said.

“She’s really improved this year so hopefully it continues.”

Last season McKelvie sent the filly to David Aiken for a Vicbred Super Series campaign, but has elected to keep her in the Riverina this year.

Her performance will determine whether she attempts the semi-final of the Breeders Challenge, but younger half-brother Killara Hustler has already booked his place in the next level of the series.

The two-year-old has drawn barrier one in the second semi-final at Menangle on Saturday night, just inside red hot favourite Our Waikiki Beach.

McKelvie is looking to secure a nice run behind the Mark Purdon runner, who is undefeated in seven starts.

From the good draw, McKelvie is on the cusp of securing his first group one runner.

“Hopefully we can get a good suck along behind the favourite and see how close he finishes,” McKelvie said.

Killara Hustler was given his first look at Menangle in a heat of the series last Tuesday and despite breaking during the race finished off well for fifth.

McKelvie travelled to Menangle to give him a look at the big track before the and hopes he’s on his best behaviour in the semi.

“Hopefully that’s a once off, he still has a bit to learn about how to race,” McKelvie said.

“I was happy with the run, he just did too many things wrong which you can’t afford to do racing that sort of class.”