Group 1 winner Jonker’s full sister Heart And Spirit to debut at Doomben on Saturday
Stuart Kendrick will unveil a full sister to a Group 1 winner at Doomben as the Sunshine Coast trainer aims to continue his excellent run of form in the city.
Sunshine Coast
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In-form Queensland trainer Stuart Kendrick is hoping to continue his electric metropolitan run on Saturday as he unleashes a rookie two-year-old 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 and 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.
“We had him to start at the meeting that was abandoned so we gave him an easy jumpout last week and he’s ticked over really well.
“I think 1350m and a little bit of jar out of the track will suit so I expect him to run really well this weekend.”
Disputed River is nominated alongside Tavistorm in the Benchmark 78 (2200m).
“Disputed River has been flying, I thought he was a little bit unlucky last start,” Kendrick said.
“He (Jake Bayliss) probably went a little bit too early on him and he was left as a bit of a sitting shot because he only has a short sprint.
“We just want to try and ride him quiet to then have the last crack at them.
“He’s been going well, his work has been excellent so I think he’s a good chance again on Saturday.”
Originally published as Group 1 winner Jonker’s full sister Heart And Spirit to debut at Doomben on Saturday
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