Kennelly chased by media in bid to woo Northerly and Co

Jockey Club handicapper Ciaran Kennelly was featured in many Australian media reports from Sunday's Underwood Stakes meeting at Caulfield - albeit with both his names misspelt - but not for his comments on Helene Vitality or Able Choice. Kennelly's Irish background was the source of all the attention as journalists sought an opinion on the Melbourne Cup favourite, the Irish stayer Vinnie Roe.

Nevertheless, the real point of his weekend mission to Sydney on Saturday and Melbourne on Sunday was to encourage interest in the Hong Kong International Races on December 15 and the handicapper's report was quietly optimistic that Australian weight-for-age champion Northerly will be here.

Trainer Fred Kersley had been quick to end speculation last year on whether the then four-year-old would make the trip to Sha Tin. Twelve months on, however, it is understood he believes Northerly is now mature enough both mentally and physically to handle the travel and the opposition that awaits him.

While it is difficult to get any firm commitment for Australasian horses at this time of the calendar, with their main domestic challenges still ahead of them, Kennelly felt he achieved everything he could have hoped for.

This trip was 'stage one' of the International Races process, with the focus on discovering which owners and trainers are genuinely interested in the trip. The Jockey Club can then liaise closely with a more manageable number of people and deal with whatever questions they might have regarding the HKIR.

The Jockey Club is due to announce its first round of invitees for the four HKIR events in three weeks' time and Kennelly feels there will be 'about 20' nominations from Australia and New Zealand. The strongest interest, as expected, will be for the Hong Kong Sprint in its first year as an international Group One.