Promising galloper Hopper has stamped himself as a horse to follow.
The tried horse purchase scored his first win for Kendrick Racing with a dominant display in a Benchmark 70 (1200m) at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday (July 26).
The Stuart Kendrick-trained runner, sent out a well-supported $1.75 favourite, gave jockey Ben Thompson an armchair ride before surging clear in the straight to score by two-and-a-half lengths in impressive fashion.
Thompson settled Hopper in a perfect position behind the speed, tracking the leaders throughout. When a gap presented turning for home, the gelding accelerated sharply, quickly putting the race beyond doubt.
Kendrick was delighted with the performance and believes Hopper has a bright future.
“He is another nice tried horse we have purchased off Inglis Online Digital Auction,” Kendrick said.
“His first-up run in Brisbane was good with no luck from a wide gate,” he said.
“He was perfectly ridden by Ben. He sat in third and had the drop on the leaders.
“Once he got the gap he sprinted quickly and won very convincingly.
“He looks like a horse that can go to town and win in Brisbane.”