In-form Kendrick looks to Doomben with young duo

By Glenn Davis

Trainer Stuart Kendrick is hopeful promising chestnut filly Bulloo can continue the stable’s winning momentum at Doomben on Wednesday afternoon. 

The experienced Kendrick was in red hot form on his home track of the Sunshine Coast on Sunday, training three winners and as many placings from seven starters.

The champion Caloundra trainer has four runners entered for Doomben on Wednesday including Bulloo, who will be ridden by gun hoop Ryan Maloney, and Vetta Velocita, who clash in the Three-Year-Old Benchmark 65 Handicap over 1350 metres.

Kendrick has a slight leaning to Bulloo, who is a well-bred daughter of Written Tycoon out of the unraced Sebring mare Splendid Eagle, as well as being a half-sister to 2016 Queensland Derby winner Eagle Way.

Bulloo has started five times for two wins and as many placings and is coming off a last start third to the in-form Startantes over 1350 metres at Doomben on September 11.

“On their last runs I have to favour Bulloo,” Kendrick said.

“She’s a well-bred filly but she’ll only have one or more two runs before she spells to get ready for the winter carnival next year.

“She’s a big striding filly who might head towards the Queensland Oaks and any Stakes win would greatly improve her value as a broodmare.”

Vetta Velocita has started only four times for a win and one placing but was disappointing when he finished at the rear of the field behind Startantes at his most recent appearance.

Kendrick also has a big opinion of Vetta Velocita, who was bred by Judy Cutts of Show A Heart fame. 

“Vetta Velocita’s last run was a bit messy when he got trapped three wide,” Kendrick said.

“I’m talking the blinkers off him this time and he’ll instead race in ear muffs.”

Vetta Velocita is a full brother to the Kendrick-trained Coral Bay and Banda Spice. 

“He’s a big horse but very immature,” Kendrick said. 

“He’ll also only have a couple more runs before he spells but I want to see how he comes up next campaign before deciding where he heads.”

Kendrick initially hoped to include the Sires’ Produce and T J Smith at Eagle Farm on the winter agenda for Vetta Velocita.