Trainer Merv Dellar almost scripted the perfect return for Kronfeld but he has an excellent chance of going one better in the Kalgoorlie Anzac 100th Commemorative Handicap (1300m).
The Murtajill gelding has emerged as a budding star for Dellar and picked up from where he left off last campaign when he tied with Saxon Coast in Kalgoorlie Horse of the Year honours.
Kronfeld piled on six wins and two placings and was a creditable fourth to Express Service in the Coolgardie Cup (1760m), the only occasion he finished outside the top three in a nine start campaign.
Kronfeld was on track for victory two weeks ago, but he couldn’t quite hold out the fast-finishing Comanche Red who got up in the last stride and scored by a long head.
“He is a better chaser and probably got to the front too early,” said Dellar.
“But in saying that he had every chance to win and wasn’t good enough.
“He meets a similar field and the extra distance suits.
“He will settle fourth or fifth and be ridden patiently.”
Jockey Shaun Meeres gets his first opportunity on Kronfeld and in a field of 12 runners he commences from barrier two.
Dellar says stable mate Here Comes Poppy will benefit from his maiden Western Australian hit out and can be the big improver in the Corinthian Doors Maiden (1400m).
The former New South Wales galloper was having just his third career start and would have lost no admirers when a half-length second to Aerospatiale.
“I don’t think he handled our way of going which didn’t help,” said Dellar.
“He got on the wrong leg 600m out and lost ground.
“He doesn’t know a lot but has good ability.
“He should run a nice race.”
Dellar is hoping he can reignite Sass “N” Glam’s career when she races under his stewardship for the first time in the Masters Football Club Handicap (1200m).
The Due Sasso filly won on debut at Ascot last year and chased home boom sprinter, Rebel King, for second at her very next appearance.
But it’s been lean pickings since then and she steps out again after running ninth of 15 to Rodeo Drive earlier in February.
“I’ve only had her for six weeks so there is an unknown factor,” said Dellar.
“But she has a nice gate (barrier 3) and showed sprinting form early in her career.”
RWWA: Julio Santarelli.