Co-trainers Stuart and Bayley Kendrick enjoyed a successful day at the Gold Coast polytrack, saddling a winning double with fellow Dundeel progeny Dun Darte Cheap and Italian Dancer.
The stable struck early on Wednesday (October 8) when Dun Darte Cheap ($3), ridden by Jag Guthmann-Chester, produced a dominant display to break his maiden in the opening Maiden Plate (1540m).
After taking up the running, the gelding proved too strong, drawing away to score by an emphatic five lengths.
The Kendricks completed the double later in the day when Italian Dancer ($2.60), partnered by apprentice Steph Tierney, led throughout to claim the Benchmark 70 (1540m) by just under two lengths.
Stuart Kendrick said it was particularly pleasing to see both winners, sons of champion sire Dundeel, perform so impressively with similar racing patterns.
“It was a great result with two of our horses by Dundeel both winning,” Kendrick said.
“They are two horses that like dictating in front and were both impressive.”
Kendrick was especially delighted for the connections of Dun Darte Cheap, who has overcome a lengthy list of setbacks before finally breaking through.
“Dun Darte Cheap has had a lot of issues and it has taken time to get a win on the board,” he said.
“He showed two runs ago he was close and even though he had to work hard, he appreciated getting to lead and looked the winner a long way out.
“Big thanks goes to the owners for being so patient and the crew at High Calibre for their support.”
Italian Dancer also produced his trademark front-running performance and gave his rivals little chance once he established a comfortable lead.
“Italian Dancer showed again that if he can lead, he is at his best,” Kendrick said.
“He led by a big margin mid-race and won with a bit in reserve.”
