Kolding poised to star again

Ocean Park’s son Kolding has already proved himself in top company and he is in line for another major title at Caulfield on Saturday.

The five-year-old is the reigning Gr.1 Epsom Handicap and Golden Eagle champion with victory in the All-Star Mile to earn him a unique treble.

It would also continue the New Zealand onslaught in Australia with the Kiwis winning the first three Group One events of the autumn courtesy of Probabeel (Surround Stakes), Te Akau Shark (Chipping Norton Stakes) and The Bostonian (Canterbury Stakes).

Kolding, who will meet a top-quality line-up including Te Akau mare Melody Belle, has been the regular ride of Glen Boss, but he will hand the reins to Hugh Bowman due to a suspension.

Boss has no doubt that Kolding’s best form will see him collect the thick end of the AUD$5 million stake.

“I won’t be there and that is one that is going to kill me,” Boss said. “If he gets it right, he wins the race. It is as simple as that. He is a very, very good gelding.

“Nobody will be cheering harder than me because I really love being on that horse’s back. I hope he gives Hughie a great ride and gets the job done.”

Kolding will go into the All-Star Mile third-up this preparation and should be all the better for his last-start fifth in the Gr.1 Futurity Stakes at Caulfield, his first attempt left-handed so the experience will stand him in good stead.