Trainer Stuart Kendrick has pulled off a metropolitan double at Eagle Farm with two long-priced runners saluting in style.
Redford ($19), first-up since July, capped the remarkable day for the stable when he won a Class 6 (1200m) under Jake Bayliss on Saturday (December 13).
Earlier, stablemate Savannah Gangster ($21), ridden by Cody Collis, continued his rise with a tough win in a Benchmark 78 (2200m).
Kendrick was thrilled with Redford’s return, noting the gelding still has plenty of upside.
“He’s still got plenty of improvement in him,” Kendrick said.
“He’s still not there in the coat yet, but we’ll just see which way we go now — whether we head towards Magic Millions Day again or the Cup at the Sunshine Coast,” he said. “There are a couple of options there for us. The Class 6 (1200m) down at the Gold Coast would be perfect.”
Redford’s win was extra satisfying for Kendrick, who retained the horse after a change in ownership.
“I had him for the previous owners and they were moving a few on. So, it was good — we ended up with him and a few of the girls stayed in. It’s a really good crew, so it’s great to get that done.”
Bayliss praised Redford’s effort.
“He’s a backmarker really, but being fresh with a nice draw, you just want to use a little bit without being stupid,” Bayliss said.
“They didn’t go quick, so he travelled where he was and hit the front … He just wanted the post to come up soon. There’s plenty of benefit to come from him.”
Earlier, Savannah Gangster proved his toughness with a second straight win, backing up from a Sunshine Coast success.
“It was a terrific ride from Cody,” Kendrick said.
“This horse can get a little bit tricky. He was really unlucky in his first few runs back, but he had a good ride last start and we backed him up this week. He’s a tough horse and it was good to see him do that today.”
Kendrick believes Savannah Gangster is now more mature and ready for staying assignments.
“He can get a little bit keen, which was probably the only thing last prep when he stepped up further.
“But I think he’s a bit more mature now. If we place him in these staying races, there are always good opportunities on these Saturday metros this time of year. We’ll poke along and find another similar race in a few weeks.”
The double was the third win for the stable for the week, with Galvanise (pictured below), ridden by Ryan Wiggins, winning a QTIS Maiden Plate (1400m) at Rockhampton on Tuesday at his race debut.
