'It's in my blood' for Antti as he continues his Aussie adventure

Antti Ruokonen is hoping to write another exciting chapter in his already successful voyage to Australia at Melton this evening.

The 31-year-old hails from a long line of harness racing influencers in his native country of Finland and will prepare Keayang Kurki for tonight’s Haras Des Trotteurs Nutrien Equine Classic 2YO Trotting Fillies’ Final

“I got my training licence here last year, but I have been around the industry my whole life,” Ruokonen said.

“When I was a kid, my parents used to have a training stable. Both my grandfathers used to be trainers - one of them still trains at 83-years-old and he drives still.

“It’s in my blood, I guess.”

Ruokonen has had six winners in Australia since making the move overseas.

“I wanted to see the world a bit, then I came to Australia and I have been in and out,” he said. “I really like the country, and I thought it might be good to give it a go here and see how it goes.”

Ruokonen worked for a number of trainers before settling with the powerful Lee stable in Terang.

“I worked with Anton Golino before coming to the Lees’. They are a great bunch of people and they are a great family,” he said. “They gave me the opportunity to train over here as well.

“It’s a good set-up and they are building new tracks at the moment, so when everything is ready it will be a great set up.”

Jason Lee will drive Keayang Kurki after partnering the horse to a debut win in a prelude of the Nutrien series at Bendigo last week.

“Everything is going good with her. We haven’t got the best barrier draw (11), but it’s not the end of the world,” he said.

Keayang Kurki opened favourite for the final ahead of Kinvara Kate, who she beat in the prelude last week.

The Haras Des Trotteurs Nutrien Equine Classic Final for two-year-old trotting fillies is race nine on the card and is scheduled to go at 9.37pm.