A BIG weight wasn’t enough to stop Menazzi at Caloundra.
The five-year-old returned to winning form with an all-the-way win in a Benchmark 65 (1600m) on Sunday, August 20.
The handicapper gave him 61.5kg before he lumped 60kg to victory thanks to the claim of apprentice Bailey Wheeler.
The inform apprentice took Menazzi ($4.20) to the lead and the horse showed an excellent turn of foot, despite the big weight, to gap his rivals in the straight before holding on by a half-length.
He never really looked under threat at any stage.
Trainer Stuart Kendrick said it was great to see Menzazzi back in the winner’s stall.
“He was a promising three-year-old but has had a lot of issues,” he said.
It was one of a couple of strong wins by Kendrick Racing-trained five-year-olds in a matter of days.
The Krew Racing-syndicated galloper Hard Reyva, ridden by Ryan Wiggins, made it back-to-back Rockhampton wins when he won an Open (1300m) on Thursday, August 17, as a $2.40 chance.
“He was very impressive in winning his first start in open company,” said Kendrick.
“He has been a horse that has always shown plenty of ability and hopefully the penny has dropped,” he said.
“He was ridden well by Ryan, sitting in second and then accelerating quickly.
“He will now get another chance in the city.”