Keybow has run the race of his life to take out the Group 1 Sky Racing Perth Cup (530m) at Cannington last night.
The Darren McDonald-trained chaser exploded out of box three to lead and from that point was never threatened as he raced away to beat the Linda Britton-trained local pair of Saving Bundles and Star Recall in a very smart 30.15. The margins were 4 3/4 by 6 1/2 lengths.
Keybow (pictured) is owned by Kel Lean at East Maitland and was sent to be trained in Victoria after starting his career in NSW.
Lean travelled to Perth to watch Keybow win the Perth Cup along with his wife Michelle and mother Jill, meeting up with other family members who live in WA.
After Keybow's stunning win Darren McDonald told Sky Racing the extra week between the heats and final had made a huge difference.
"That extra week to acclimatise makes a big difference," he said.
"He had a good week and did everything right tonight. When he's in front he's a hard dog to catch.
"He's a very good dog. I'll take him to the Australian Cup (at The Meadows) now and see how he goes."
The Group 1 Sky Racing Galaxy (715m) earlier in the night was taken out by the Rob Britton-trained Born Ali, who raced parked behind kennelmate Gold Affair Two before holding off Dyna Willow to score by a neck in 42.05. Gold Affair Two hung on for third, a further two lengths away.
With Britton's staying star Lucy Wires at home in Victoria having a three-week break, it was up to the promising Born Ali to fly the flag for the kennel and she didn't disappoint, showing plenty of heart to win.
