NEVER write off a “gangster”.
Staying prospect Savannah Gangster was headed and looked beaten before fighting back strongly to win a Benchmark 60 (2000m) on the Sunshine Coast poly track on Sunday (May 11).
Ridden by apprentice Cody Collis, Savannah Gangster (main photo) prevailed in a tight finish to kick off a winning double in successive races for Kendrick Racing.
Trainer Stuart Kendrick said it was great to see Savannah Gangster turn his last couple of runs around with the gutsy win as a $4.40 chance.
“We made a gear change adding blinkers last start and they had the desired effect,” Kendrick said.
“He looks a genuine stayer, and we will aim at another staying race over the next couple of weeks.”
The stable completed the double in the next race with Miss Mercy.
Ridden by apprentice Montana Philpott, Miss Mercy ($2.40-fav) showed she is in for a good campaign with an impressive win first up in a Maiden Plate (1100m).
“She had trialled brilliantly leading into the race,” Kendrick said.
“She was slow away but made good ground through the field,”” he said.
“She then had a good battle with the favourite but nosed him out on the line.”
