Kendrick hopes for another successful Rockhampton raid

By Glenn Davis

Caloundra trainer Stuart Kendrick is hoping for a repeat of a successful raid to Rockhampton earlier this month when he heads to Callaghan Park on Thursday.

Kendrick claimed a winning treble at his last visit to Rockhampton on August 3 and two of those winners – Star Prince and Hard Reyva - will line up again.

Hard Reyva won a Benchmark race last start at Callaghan Park and will clash with Checkers when he steps up to Open company over 1300 metres for the first time.

The Stifmeister is a definite starter in the Class 2 Handicap over 1300 metres but Kendrick is unsure if Star Prince will start from a wide barrier.

Palatial Prince is top weight in the Ratings 0-55 Handicap over 1500 metres while Better Off Single will be seeking a break through win in the Maiden Handicap over 1050 metres.

“They look nice races for them all and going there is a good option for horses struggling to win down this way,” Kendrick said.

“If they win it gives them the confidence for when they come back and race again in our area.

“These days you have to place horses right and travel to win races as it’s very hard to win in the South East with the growing number of satellite stables.”

Kendrick has booked Ryan Wiggins to ride Hard Reyva while Justin Huxtable will be legged up on Checkers in the Open Handicap.

“Hard Reyva has always been a promising horse but he’ll more than likely spell after this run,” Kendrick said.

“He’s a big horse and has always been immature but he’s suited in this with the drop in weight.

“It’s hard to split Hard Reyva and Checkers who ran a nice fourth first-up.

“Checkers finished well after getting a bit too far back and going to 1300 metres this time will suit him.”

Kendrick is hoping for a change of luck for Palatial Prince following his last start fourth to Struan Lad in a 1400 metre benchmark race at Rockhampton two weeks ago.

The five-year-old has been successful only once in 13 starts but has placed in three of his six starts for the stable since being moved on from the Henry Dwyer stable in Victoria.