A relative newcomer to Group One racing, trainer Stuart Kendrick finds himself with two runners in the Doomben 10,000.
Time For War and Neo represent the trainer in Saturday’s Brisbane feature and Kendrick is excited about their prospects.
One of Mackay’s leading trainers for several years before moving to Caloundra four years ago, Kendrick’s only other Group One experience was with Doubtfilly who ran fourth to Pierro in the 2012 Golden Slipper.
This season has been his best with 45 winners overall to be eighth on the state premiership and he is seventh on the metropolitan title race with 15.
Kendrick had been in two minds whether to back Time For War up after his tough second to Riva de Lago in the Glasshouse Handicap last Saturday.
“I don’t think I have had a tougher horse. His run in the Glasshouse was terrific because he was never left alone in front while the winner had the perfect sit on him,” Kendrick said.
“He had a bit of a blow after the race but he ate up his feed on Sunday. He has really pleased me since.”
Time For War ran second in the Gold Coast Guineas on April 25 but missed the BTC Cup on May 9.
“He had a slight setback in the lead-up to the BTC Cup and that was why he went around in the Glasshouse,” Kendrick said.
“Time For War has won at the 1350 metres around Doomben and he should be there for a long way.”
The colt beat Brazen Beau to win the 2014 BRC Sires’ Produce when trained by Gerald Ryan.
Neo is coming back in distance after finishing sixth in the Members Cup (1600m) at Doomben two weeks ago.
“He won at 1600 metres in New Zealand but apparently that was a pretty weak race,” Kendrick said.
“James McDonald rode Neo last time and he was adamant he didn’t get the 1600.
“His other form since coming here from New Zealand was very good so he won’t disgrace himself in the 10,000.”
Kendrick’s winter Group One attack won’t end on Saturday with Neo and Time For War likely to tackle the Stradbroke Handicap on June 6.
Kendrick also hopes to have two-year-old filly Typing in the Group One JJ Atkins Stakes on that day.
Typing, who won the Listed Dalrello Stakes (1200m) at her last start, runs in Saturday’s Group Two BRC Sires (1350m).
“She has a tricky draw (11) on Saturday and we all know that you need luck from them at Doomben,” Kendrick said.
“But if she can get into a good position she will be hard to hold out in the straight.”
