For a stallion with just a handful of runners, Better Land has had a wonderful week, with the Peter Moody-trained Outback Action strolling home by three lengths at Mornington on Saturday, followed by a five-length romp by Kunnese at Kembla Grange on Wednesday.
Ridden by Rachel King for Edward O'Rourke, Kunnese shared the lead with County Sheriff before dropping him on straightening. It was a matter of how far with 200m to run. Sent off a heavily backed favourite, the 3yo son of Better Land defeated the American Pharoah (USA) gelding Good Lieutenant by five and a half lengths with a further one and a quarter lengths back to the Palentino gelding Mister Manihi in third.
It was the second start for Kunnese, who was well-supported at his career debut at Hawkesbury on April 1. He finished a close-up fifth and pulled up with the thumps.
"That was what we expected to see at Hawkesbury after he had been trialling nicely, O'Rourke said.
"He pulled up with the thumps and he settled much better today, so I think it was a matter of getting his nerves out of the way.
"He has always shown us he is quick and that was very impressive today."
Like Outback Action, Kunnese sports the silks of Stuart Ramsay's Ramsey Pastoral, and both are out of daughters by former Turangga Farm resident Zizou.
Kunnese is the first foal of the lightly raced Cherokee Blossom, a granddaughter of Ramsay's Group III winning Spinning World (USA) mare Our Quivira. He is one of just two named foals from the second crop of Better Land, a stakes-placed son of Shamardal (USA) from brilliant Group II ATC Silver Slipper winner Amelia's Dream.
Better Land failed to live up to his early promise on the track that saw him finish second to Scissor Kick in the Listed Rosebud at Randwick after a debut win at Sale.
Before time was called on his career, Better Land had tested the patience of some of the best trainers in the business, Peter Moody, Darren Weir and Toby Edmonds.
The son of Shamardal (USA) covered a career-high seven mares last spring.
