Former Kiwi horseman Kyle Marshall is on the crest of a wave.
His move from Cranbourne to a 30-acre property at Mount Wallace, not far from Ballarat, has been inspired.
Despite a deliberately boutique team of just 10 horses, Marshall and his partner, Sophie Jefferies, have two of them – Smoken Ace and Ata Rangi – racing at Melton on Saturday night.
Smoken Ace, Ata Rangi and talented three-year-old Fire Marshall have been the headline horses of a strong first 11 months in their new digs.
“When we first moved over, the Cranbourne training complex was a great place to start. The club and its people were great, they couldn’t do enough to help and support,” Marshall said.
“We looked seriously at a prep in Queensland last year, but it didn’t work out and then this place (Mount Wallace) became available and suited the stage we were at and what we wanted … it’s only 30 minutes from Melton, so it’s a bit more central.
“It’s a great set-up and we’re lucky it was available at the right time and we got it.
“We make no secret of the fact that we want and need to race at Melton more often and that’s why having a couple of runners this week is so good.”
Marshall, 31, first moved from NZ to Cranbourne in early 2023 and made an impact with 17 winners that season. He followed with 23 winners last year.
Despite the move and setting up the new property, Marshall and Jefferies have landed 19 winners this year, but it’s the quality of horses and races they have contested which has grown.
Last Friday night, Smoken Ace posted his ninth win and turned heads by smashing the Geelong 1609m track record. It was a stunning performance.
“That was a huge thrill. I know the track was quick, but to do the work he did, win easily and run that time was enormous,” Marshall said.
“What about that guy ‘Herbie’ (James Herbertson)? It was his first drive on the horse for two years and look how well he went. They just fly for Herbie.
“The horse had been going OK before that in good races without much luck, so it’s good for his confidence and ours to have him come out and win like that.”
Herbertson will take the reins again, but will have to overcome a wide draw (gate seven) in a handy field in the seventh race at Melton on Saturday night.
Beyond that, Marshall is looking at a NSW raid for a couple of Menangle races in coming weeks with Smoken Ace.
“The Geelong win was similar to the sort of way they race at Menangle and we think it would suit him up there,” he said.
Ata Rangi will be chasing a hat-trick of wins in the first heat of the Gordon Rothacker Championship (race eight) at Melton.
Top junior driver Jordy Leedham, who drove Ata Rangi to a career-best Ballarat win last start, has the drive again.
“He’s improving all the time and it was great to see him step-up and win a nice race like that (Vicbred Silver Pace) last time,” Marshall said.
