Heart in the right place – Kendrick
In-form Queensland trainer Stuart Kendrick is hoping to continue his electric metropolitan run on Saturday as he unleashes a rookie two-yearold who is a full sister to a former Group 1 star.
The current 2023-24 leading provincial trainer sits fifth in the metropolitan ranks, an achievement he’s had in his sights for the past few seasons. “It’s been a good start to the season; we’ve worked hard to try to get those metro- type of horses and it’s starting to pay off now,” Kendrick said.
“There’s some nice young ones coming through, some good, solid older ones and others making their mark, so it’s good to see and hopefully we can keep it up during the carnival.”
He’s set to feature five runners at Doomben on Saturday, with high hopes for fresh debutant Heart And Spirit in the QTIS Handicap over 1110m.
The two-year-old is a full sister to former Group 1 winner Jonker, with Kendrick forking out $180,000 at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale last year.
“It’s been a bit frustrating with her with all the wet weather – we haven’t really wanted to start her on the poly track and we lost a few meetings as well,” he said.
“Her trial was really good and she’s come on nicely, so hopefully we can draw well come Saturday, because that’s always important for a first starter. She’s a well-bred filly so hopefully she lives up to her breeding.”
Kendrick, a 10-time Sunshine Coast premiership winner, was also expecting solid performances from Tidal Creek and Disputed River.
“Tidal Creek is going really well; I’m really happy with him,” he said.