Les Ross saddles seven in the 2YO Jewel
Stuart Kendrick has as opportunity to knock off the two highlight races of the QTIS Jewel program on Saturday with full brothers Defiant Spirit and Defiant Boom.
Both by Queensland’s warrior sprinter Spirit Of Boom with the dam a well-performed two-year-old in her day, Listed Gimcrack Stakes winner Defiant Dame, each will take their place in their respective $500,000 Jewel events for two-year-olds and three-year-olds.
Defiant Boom, a $160,000 buy at the 2023 Magic Millions Yearling Sale, saw Kendrick have a part in the purchase after buying Define Spirit for $100,000 a year earlier.
The former faces the challenge of a wall of ‘Mishani’ runners – at least seven of them – in the QTIS Jewel 2YO (1200m) while the latter needs to overcome the widest barrier draw 20 in the full field of the QTIS Jewel 3YO (1200m).
Defiant Boom, still a maiden but yet to miss a placing, is a $5 chance with betting site in the 2YO with last start Doomben winner Mishani Lily the $4 favourite.
“Physically, Define Spirit is a smaller unit but they’re both very relaxed and casual but Defiant Boom that tactical speed,” Kendrick said of the pair.
“I think Defiant Boom has been running against the better quality two-year-olds including finished third behind Spywire leading into the Magic Millions, and he finished third between All Inclusive who I think are smart trained by David Vandyke.”
All Inclusive heads to Randwick on Saturday line up in the Group 2 Todman Stakes (1200m) against the likes of Golden Slipper fancies Switzerland, Straight Charge and Espionage.
“In his previous run at Doomben he finished behind a Zoustar colt of mine, Street Chase, who I have a big opinion of,” he added of Defiant Boom.
“The penny hadn’t quite dropped with him and Michael Rodd got off the other day and said he’d take plenty of benefit from it.”
Defiant Spirit is the $4.20 favourite with top betting apps for the 3YO Jewel though the wide draw presents a challenge.
Leading as he did at Gold Coast on January 13 was not the plan then and won’t be on Saturday.
“His run on Wave Day (January 6), he drew a decent gate and had a lovely run,” he said of the three-year-old handicap win over 1200-metres.
“We went into the Magic Millions Guineas and he drew terribly that day but jumped too well and Robbie (Dolan) elected to go forward.
“I don’t think that is his best pattern and he got collared late.
“Hopefully he can get some luck early to slot in with a few behind him.
“Overall, it would be good if we can knock off both races with the two brothers.”
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