PROMISING QTIS filly Another Champers has overcome a pre-race scare to deliver in style and launch a Kendrick Racing training double at the Sunshine Coast.
Starting a $7.50 chance in the QTIS 3YO Benchmark 60 (1000m) on Sunday (September 20), Another Champers was reluctant to load into the barriers, leaving connections with plenty to think about before the race had even begun.
But once the gates opened, the filly put her antics behind her, with apprentice Steph Tierney producing a polished ride to secure victory and give Kendrick Racing the first leg of a successful afternoon.
Kendrick admitted he was concerned when Another Champers baulked at entering the gates.
“She’s definitely got her own attitude,” Kendrick said.
“I was pretty concerned there. Today she just didn’t want to go in (the gate).
“But everything else worked out to plan. We had a real good look at this race. I knew Heathcote’s horse would lead. It’s very, very quick.
“And I said to Steph, if we can have the favours on our outside, that’s probably the big thing, and just make it work out a little bit harder.”
The plan executed perfectly, with Tierney settling the filly into a comfortable rhythm before producing her at the right time.
“She’s a tough little filly and it was good to get that win,” Kendrick said.
“It’s not easy to win here on a Sunday,” he said.
“She’s a QTIS filly and if you can place them right, the QTIS money is very good,” Kendrick said.
“She’s very quick. She’s got speed and she’s tough.
“If she can find those right 1000-metre races and get those sort of runs, I think that’s where she can hopefully knock one of those off in town, if we can find the right race for her.”
Kendrick was quick to recognise the contribution of Tierney, who has formed a strong association with the filly through her regular work at the stable.
“Steph does a lot of work, obviously trackwork in the morning, and this is one horse she’s done a lot of work on,” he said.
“She seems to get the best out of her.”
The victory was the opening act of a training double for Kendrick Racing, with Snitzstream making it two winners on the day when the $3.90 favourite captured the Fillies and Mares Class 1 (1200m) later on the program.
Ridden by apprentice Archie McColm, Snitzstream continued her progression through the grades to round out a rewarding afternoon for the stable.
“She’s a quite a gross filly and she takes a bit of work,” Kendrick said.
“She’s taken a fair while to get fit and she’s hard to keep fit,” he said.
“She eats everything and puts it on very easily, but she’s going well.”