Kendrick plays down winter prospects for youngsters

By Glenn Davis

Trainer Stu Kendrick is confident stablemates Kenny Boy and I’ve Bean There will pass their respective distance tests at Eagle Farm on Saturday but is playing down their Queensland Winter Racing Carnival prospects.

Kenny Boy and I’ve Bean There will clash in the QTIS Two-Year-Old Handicap at their first starts over 1400 metres.

Kenny Boy showed his ability storming home to edge out the Tom Button-trained Miss Got in a midweek Two-Year-Old Maiden at Eagle Farm last month while I’ve Bean There was a gallant fifth to Sweet Dolly in the QTIS Jewel at the Gold Coast last Saturday.

“They are both nice horses and both will be better over ground,” Kendrick said.

“I’ve Bean There is nominated for the Sires’ Produce in Sydney but I doubt he’ll go there.

“The winter carnival is coming up but I want to see how they go on Saturday before I look too far ahead.”

Kendrick has given punters a lead with a slight preference to I’ve Bean There who has been placed in two of his three starts.

“I think I’d have to just favour I’ve Bean There as he’s been racing well and in better company than Kenny Boy,” Kendrick said.

“Kenny Boy is a nice horse but is lightly raced and he won well at his only start at the midweeks at Eagle Farm.

“This is a step up in class as well as distance for him but he’s showing promise and 1400 metres will really suit him.”
 

Kendrick was delighted with I’ve Bean There’s performance in the QTIS Jewel over 1200 metres last start and isn’t concerned about the seven-day back-up.

“He finished off well in The Jewel and I really liked his previous run when he ran third in the Jewel Prelude,” he said.

“He’s looking for races up to 1600 metres now and whatever he and Kenny Boy do on Saturday will tell me more about whether they are up to the winter races.”

Kendrick also expects strong performances from Cosmic Gossip in the QTIS Three-Year-Old Handicap and Bonaparte in the Class 3 Plate – both over 1600 metres.

Cosmic Gossip is dropping back in distance after a close seventh to The Cullinan over 1805 metres at Eagle Farm on March 6 while Bonaparte is coming off a last start second to Gunnobe in a 1650-metre Benchmark race at Doomben on March 3.

“Cosmic Gossip is a handy filly and I’m trying to place her in QTIS races while Bonaparte has been racing well and deserves his chance again after finishing second on a heavy tack last start.”