Kendrick Racing has launched a successful Rocky raid.
The stable saddled up a double and also picked up three other placings on Thursday (February 6).
The QTIS money on offer added to the haul for connections.
The double was kicked off by King Spirit (photo below), who bounced back to winning form in a Benchmark 72 (1050m) metres, scoring by more than a length as a $6.50 chance.
Apprentice Stephanie Tierney, who was aboard for both wins, produced a polished ride on King Spirit.
“It was great to see King Spirit bounce back to the winner’s stall,” said trainer Stuart Kendrick.
“A bit of a freshen-up and a drop in grade and weight made a big difference,” he said.
“Stephanie wrote him perfectly, put him into the ideal spot, and he was too good in the end.
“Hopefully that will build his confidence back up again.”
The stable completed the double later in the program when Italian Dancer (main photo) put on a commanding display in a Benchmark 65 (1500m), leading throughout to score by more than three-and-a-half lengths as a $3.80 chance.
Tierney made full use of the gelding’s natural pace.
“Italian Dancer showed what he can do with a very impressive front-running win,” Kendrick said.
“He’s always shown a lot of ability, especially in the trackwork, but it’s taken him a long time to mature.”
Kendrick noted the gelding’s recent progress and suggested there could be more upside to come, particularly over longer trips.
“He’s now won his last two, and over 1500 metres yesterday he showed that he could run further if he relaxes,” he said.
