Sunspeed breeders Lex and Shirley Piper have a live chance in the Group 1 Galaxy at Rosehill this Saturday.

Their speed machine Kencella booked his spot off a seven-day back-up after winning the G3 Maurice McCarten Stakes (1100m).

Kencella (4g Exceed And Excel – Kentiara by Metal Storm) is weighted on the 52kg limit for the $400,000 feature sprint.  “He loves the track and the distance,” trainer John O’Shea said.  “I’ve always had a really good opinion of him.

“He’s virtually pushed me towards running in the race.  And there’s not too many times you can get a horse into a Group 1 race with his weight in this sort of form.”

The flying chestnut’s dam Kentiara was a Listed winner of the York Stakes and Detonator Stakes at Ascot.  She has a Mossman filly foal and was bred back to Americain.

Her three sisters have also either won at black-type level or foaled black-type winners.  Kalatiara claimed the G2 WA Guineas and G3 Royal Heroine Stakes at Hollywood Park.  Lacienne is the dam of Guest Wing (G2 Perth Cup) and Antique’s daughters include Antique Belle (LR Burgess Queen Stakes) and Broadway Belle (LR Jungle Dawn Classic).

The Pipers sold an Oratorio (Aus) yearling from their three-quarter sister Bonny Belle at last month’s Perth Magic Millions.  Lark Hill trainer David Harrison bought the colt for $30,000.