Albany trainer Rebecca Wallrodt confident Kohli can notch big win in major feature race

Albany trainer Rebecca Wallrodt says it would be a special moment to win the Mt Barker Sprint (1300m) with jockey Jessica Valenti at the Mt Barker Turf Club on Sunday. Valenti will ride Kohli in Sunday’s $100,000 feature race, with the five-year old gelding looking to hand Wallrodt her first win in the coveted event. The first major feature race will headline an eight-race program at the turf club. The galloper comes into the race in terrific form after winning by 0.6 lengths in the Wellington and Reeves Handicap in December across 1230m. Kohli also ran second in her two previous races, including a $100,000 TABtouch Regional Championship Final in November. He was part of an all-Albany trifecta in the race, with Roy Rogers-trained winner Mr Causeway and third-placed Sneaky Fox making up the top three. Kohli ($18) again raised eyebrows as he rocketed home from back in the field to finish a neck second in the Fitzpatrick Plate on January 8 just behind winner Strathmore Rose. “It would be massive for the stable and Jessica Valenti, who is riding him again, I’ve sort of had a long association with her,” Wallrodt said. “For us to be able to win, it would be huge. I think there’s no reason why he can’t repeat what he’s done in the Fitzpatrick Plate.” Kohli has drawn ideally and will get in on the minimum 54.5kg. “We’re happy with barrier five, it gives us a couple of options, so we’re definitely happy to be there,” Wallrodt said. “He’s been looking great since his last run. He’s looking really well and going as good as ever.” Kohli is part of a strong contingent of Albany runners in the Mt Barker Sprint. Leading Albany trainer Steve Wolfe has River Rubicon entered for the race with Brad Parnham onboard, along with The Great One at barrier nine. The Roy Rogers stable has Trevello and Our Wind Spirit (NZ) engaged, while Halotorion was scratched. Six-year-old gelding Jericho Missile will also feature for local trainer Paul Hunter.