Sling announced himself as a youngster on the rise with a sharp win in the QTIS 2YO (1000m) at the Sunshine Coast.
His victory on Friday night (March 13) was the first leg of a double under lights for Kendrick Racing.
Sent out a well‑supported $2.30 favourite, Sling bounced cleanly under jockey Ben Thompson and never gave his backers a moment’s worry, stretching out strongly to score in style.
For trainer Stuart Kendrick, the win was a satisfying reward after Sling had endured a luckless run at Eagle Farm at his previous outing.
“He has had two good starts and was very unlucky at his previous run at Eagle Farm, but Ben Thompson took luck out of the equation and he won well,” Kendrick said.
The youngster will now enjoy a short freshen‑up before returning later in the carnival.
“He will now have a short let‑up and possibly come back for a couple of races towards the end of the carnival,” Kendrick said.
The stable’s strong night continued when Retainer ($5) powered home in the Benchmark 70 (1400m), giving apprentice Stephanie Tierney her first Sunshine Coast winner for the team.
Dropping sharply in weight from her previous start, the mare relished the conditions and was too strong late, completing the Kendrick Racing double.
“Retainer appreciated the big drop in weight,” Kendrick said.
“She had a gallant third last start but just got bogged down with the 59kg, whereas the drop in weight last night really helped, and she was too strong,” he said.
“It was great to see her bring up the first Sunshine Coast winner for our apprentice, Steph Tierney.”
