Kendrick loads up on winter firepower

By Glenn Davis

Trainer Stu Kendrick is hopeful of adding to his TAB Queensland Winter Racing Carnival firepower with stablemates Kenny Boy and Vetta Volocita, who clash at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

The pair will run in the QTIS Two-Year-Old Handicap over 1400 metres.

Kenny Boy has started twice, winning over 1300 metres on debut at Eagle Farm in February before a last start third at the same track behind stablemate I’ve Been There over 1400 metres on February 20.

Vetta Velocita was an impressive winner at his only start on a soft track over 1000 metres at the Sunshine Coast on March 14.

Kendrick finds it hard to separate the pair but has a big opinion of Vetta Velocita, who was bred by Judy Cutts of Show A Heart fame.

“I like both horses but it’s hard to split babies who have had only a few starts,” Kendrick said.

“Vetta Velocita is potentially a very good colt and is a full brother to Coral Bay and Banda Spice who was Stakes-placed for me in the Gai Waterhouse Classic.

“He’s a big strong colt who stands about 16 hands and he’s got plenty of scope.

“I thought Kenny Boy’s run behind I’ve Been There was huge coming off his previous win at Eagle Farm.”

Kendrick has winter plans in mind for I’ve Been There and also is hopeful Kenny Boy and Vetta Velocita can head the same way.

“I’ll see what Kenny Boy does on Saturday but if he keeps stepping up then the winter is not out of the question,” Kendrick said.

“I’m thinking about the Sires’ Produce and J.J Atkins with Vetta Velocita if he runs well and if Kenny Boy wins he could join him,” he said.

Kendrick is also aiming I’ve Been There at the major Brisbane juvenile races as well as a possible hit and run to Sydney for the Group 1 Champagne Stakes at Randwick later this month.

“The Sires and J.J Atkins will be the main aim for I’ve Been There but I might pop down to Sydney for the Champagne Stakes,” he said.

“He’ll barrier trial here at the Sunshine Coast next week and then I’ll decide about Sydney.”