Staying prospect Settat has broken through for his first win since joining Kendrick Racing.
At his third outing for the stable, Settat ($5) delivered a powerful performance under jockey Jake Bayliss to win a Benchmark 65 (1800m) at the Sunshine Coast on Friday night (October 3).
The win showcased his staying potential on the expansive track.
Trained by Stuart Kendrick, the gelding bounced back from a below-par run at Beaudesert, where the tight circuit didn’t suit his style. Kendrick was pleased to see Settat rise to the occasion on a more suitable surface.
“It was good to see Settat put it all together on the big track and over a suitable distance,” Kendrick said.
“His work has been very sharp, but he was disappointing last start on the tight track at Beaudesert,” he said.
Bayliss gave Settat a confident ride, positioning him early and allowing the horse to settle before unleashing a strong finish in the straight.
“Jake rode him very well,” Kendrick said.
“He gave him a squeeze early and put him into the race, and he was very strong late,” he said.
“He looks like a horse that’s going to run 2000 metres.”
With the win under his belt, Kendrick is optimistic about Settat’s future and is eyeing bigger things.
“He looks fantastic, so hopefully we can find the right race and get a city win on the board with him.”