Realaide to bring provincial form to city

By Glenn Davis

Trainer Stu Kendrick is hoping improving galloper Realaide can bring his provincial form to the city when the four-year-old starts at Eagle Farm on Wednesday.

Realaide is one of six Eagle Farm acceptors from the Kendrick stable, and will be aiming to extend his winning sequence to four in the Benchmark 70 Handicap over 1825 metres.

Realaide is unbeaten this campaign winning first-up in a Benchmark race over 1300 metres at the Sunshine Coast on November 1, before a last stride win in Class 2 grade at the same track over 1600 metres on November 25.

Kendrick is a great believer in spelling horses at the top of their game and credits Realaide’s recent form to his decision to spell him after he won his maiden at the Sunshine Coast in April.

“A lot of the time not getting to the bottom of horses before they spell works out well,” Kendrick said.

“He’s done a good job so far and hopefully he can measure up in town.

“He’s been placed a couple of times in the city last preparation but he’s come back a lot better horse this time.

“Stepping up to 1800 metres will suit him and his form last preparation was solid.”

Realaide broke his maiden status at his 12th start and is now chasing win number four at his 15th appearance.

The son of Real Saga is raced by Eureka Stud principal Scott McAlpine and his wife Grania who bred the Rex Lipp-trained Tinto, winner of the 2014 Queensland Oaks.

Kendrick also have entered Bulloo and Vetta Velocita in the Class 3 Handicap, Choir Boy and Knockknee in the Class 5 Handicap and Willmot Pass in the Benchmark 70 Handicap over 1500 metres.

Bulloo was also nominated Bulloo for the Benchmark 70 Handicap but Kendrick feels she is better placed in the Class 3.

“Bulloo had a few setbacks before her last start and I need to get another run into her before she goes into The Wave,” he said.

Bulloo showed a lot of promise early in her career but Kendrick has always believed she would be a late maturer.

Bulloo has won three of her 12 starts including last year’s Toowoomba Guineas and is coming off a disappointing 12th in The Gateway at Eagle Farm on December 10.

Kendrick has given punters a lead, rating Wilmott Pass in the 1500-metre Benchmark 70 as the best from his stable.

“He’s in good form and stepping up to 1500 metres will really suit him,” he said.

The six-year-old has finished second at his past two starts including his latest effort over 1350 metres at Doomben on December 9.