Italian Riviera’s resurgence has gathered further momentum at the Sunshine Coast.
The Stuart Kendrick-trained gelding produced another determined performance to claim a Benchmark 65 (1400m) on Sunday (July 12). Starting a $4.20 chance, Italian Riviera backed up a Rockhampton victory from his previous outing, again overcoming a hefty weight impost to score under the guidance of apprentice Steph Tierney.
The victory was particularly pleasing for Kendrick, who said the six-year-old’s renewed confidence had been a major factor in his recent improvement.
“That was a tough win,” Kendrick said.
“He’s got plenty of weight on his back and, look, he won his last start in Rockhampton, again with plenty of weight, and he’s just a bit of a confidence horse,” he said.
“He’s really been working well, and he looks good and you know we had a lot of issues with him last preparation, but this time in it’s been all pretty smooth sailing.”
Italian Riviera’s latest success vindicated Kendrick’s strategy of taking the gelding to Central Queensland to rebuild his confidence after a frustrating run of form.
He said the placement had worked, with the gelding now enjoying back-to-back victories after going winless for an extended period.
“And that’s exactly what we’re using (Rockhampton) for,” Kendrick said.
“Horses like this bloke that haven’t won for a while; trying to find the right races, get a win on the board, get them used to winning again and then hopefully come back here and do that.
“It’s been working and hopefully we can continue to do it.”