Sunshine Coast trainer Stuart Kendrick plots divine intervention for Doomben 10,000

STUART Kendrick admits he is having a throw at the stumps with Divine Centuri in Saturday’s Group 1 Doomben 10,000.

STUART Kendrick admits he is having a throw at the stumps with Divine Centuri in Saturday’s Group 1 Doomben 10,000.

But it is hardly one of the strongest Group 1s and the Sunshine Coast trainer has a history of getting the best out of 100-1 roughies.

“Doubtfully ran fourth in the (2012) Golden Slipper behind Pierro,’’ Kendrick said.

“There is no doubt the Doomben 10,000 is a massive class rise for Divine Centuri and she is very badly weighted against her rivals. It wasn’t too long ago she was running in midweek grade.

“But the 10,000 field has dropped away a bit and if she happens to run a place, it will make her a valuable filly.

“Outside of Azkadellia there are probably no superstars in the 10,000 this year. There are some nice consistent horses like Dothraki, but I’m happy to run my filly.’’

Divine Centuri, part-owned by former Queensland Racing Minister Peter Lawlor, had her place in the 10,000 confirmed yesterday after Damian Browne partnered her in an impressive gallop on the Sunshine Coast.

Trainer Stuart Kendrick is out to cause an upset in Saturday’s Doomben 10,000.

Kendrick initially thought three-year-old Divine Centuri was no chance of getting a run in the 10,000 but he is happy not only to take on a huge class rise but to also step up in distance to 1350m.

Although the 10,000 looks out of her league (she is rated a $41 shot by UBET), there is no doubt Divine Centuri, is an impressive sprinter with a promising future.

She has won four of her six starts, overcoming knee and hip problems she had early in her career.

“She is still a little bit untapped and she has all the makings of becoming a really nice mare,’’ Kendrick said.

“One option for her this season was to try to go to the (Group 1) Tatts Tiara but I thought that would end up being a full field, and a very good field, so the Doomben 10,000 might be the better option.

“If she can draw a gate and get a nice cushy run in the 10,000, I think she will acquit herself pretty well.’’

Originally published as Sunshine Coast trainer Stuart Kendrick plots divine intervention for Doomben 10,000