Happy With Kendel is rated one of the outsiders in the WAROA-Belmont Guineas (1600m), but trainer Clayton Scoby-Smith won’t discount his prospects in the $100,000 feature.
Tick Tick Bloom and Bayatorio, both chasing a hat trick of wins, have commanded the attention of supporters, heading Tabtouch markets at $3.50 and $6.00 respectively.
Happy With Kendel, a $19 chance, ran a half-length third to Bayatorio at his previous outing, running on strongly from seventh position.
That performance to hit the line hard was the clincher for Smith who is striving to claim his second success in the Listed feature.
“That was the test and he showed he was up to the class to go forward to the Guineas,” said Scoby-Smith on Tab Radio.
“I was ecstatic by performance and the way he found the line.
It was a good test and a good gallop.”
Happy With Kendel will be in the hands of underrated rider Willie White who will have to be at his best from barrier 17.
“Willie is cool and understands his horses,” said Scoby-Smith.
“He places his horse’s well, gives them every chance and rides them out well.
“Not many people wanted to ride this horse because he was a problem.
“He took the opportunity to work and sit on him.
“He has done well and it’s come together for him.
“He has drawn wide but I’m happy wherever he lands and as long as they are close enough at the corner I expect them to hit the line strong.
“I trust Willie to give him every possible chance.”
Leading trainer Adam Durrant is chasing his second Belmont Guineas with Tick Tick Bloom.
He won last year with Summah’s Touch who flooded home from near last.
Tick Tick Bloom will jump from barrier 19 for William Pike.
Scoby-Smith prepared Creatrix to win in 2003.