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Tambo's Mate faces distance test in Recognition

20 November 2019

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By Glenn Davis

Trainer Stu Kendrick is confident in-form sprinter Tambo’s Mate can overcome a distance test ahead of a possible Magic Millions bid in the Listed Recognition Stakes at Doomben on Saturday.

Tambo’s Mate has started only 11 times during his career for six wins and two seconds but has never raced beyond 1200 metres.

The Recognition Stakes, which carries prizemoney of $125,000, was run over 1600 metres at Eagle Farm for many years before it was switched to 1350 metres at Doomben a few years ago.

Although Tambo’s Mate is yet to run over the trip, Kendrick is confident the four-year-old will cope with the step up in distance at his first attempt.

Tambo’s Mate is coming off a last start second to Outback Barbie in the Listed Keith Noud Quality (1200m) at Doomben on November 9.

“It was a great run considering he had to sit up closer to the lead than we wanted and he was beaten by a pretty smart horse,” Kendrick said.

“Outback Barbie had a lovely run in behind and came off our back to win well.

“I think Tambo’s Mate will get the trip. Everything he’s done so far indicates he’s looking for this distance.”

Tambo’s Mate has started four times this campaign for two wins and as many seconds and Kendrick remains hopeful, he’ll be hard to beat again.

The son of Mossman was still eligible for restricted grade when Outback Barbie stormed home to beat him by one length in in his open company debut.

“It looks to be a very strong field and these summer races are getting stronger each week with the likes of Chris Waller, Peter and Paul Snowden and Kris Lees sending horses up here,” he said.

“Of the locals Deep Image is a horse still on the way up but the Snowden’s Signore Fox looks the one to beat if it starts.”

Kendrick decided to give Tambo’s Mate his opportunity in open company last start rather than spell him and aim for the Brisbane winter carnival next year.

“He should be competitive again in this grade and he can still aim for the winter carnival next year,” he said.

Kendrick is hoping Tambo’s Mate can win a wildcard race to qualify for the $1 million QTIS Open (1300m) at the Gold Coast in January.

“At this stage we’re looking towards the Magic Millions day and the big QTIS race,” Kendrick said.

“He’ll need to gain a wildcard entry into it and there’s a wildcard race coming up for him in a couple of weeks,” he said.

Racing Queensland webnews   November 19