Heartoni certainly thrives when racing second-up from a spell.
He remains unbeaten when second-up after winning an Open (1050m) in Rockhampton Thursday, May 21.
Ridden confidently by apprentice Nikki Olzard, Heartoni ($10) overcame a tricky draw and a testing weight to edge out his stablemate King, who finished a determined half-length away in second after looming as the main danger in the straight.
Kendrick was quick to praise the winner’s remarkable consistency, highlighting a statistic that underscores the gelding’s reliability.
“He made it five wins second-up from five preparations,” Kendrick said.
“He has always been a very genuine horse and has built a good record.”
From a wide barrier, Olzard allowed Heartoni to find his rhythm early before asking him to quicken at the right time.
It was a move that ultimately proved decisive as he held off the late charge from King Spirit, who has been in top form of late.
“With the weight and wide barrier, he did a good job to beat our other horse King Spirit, who has been in great form,” Kendrick said.