Kendrick is the only unraced runner in the Kilmore Function Centre Plate (1107m) this afternoon but lack of race experience won’t stop him winning on debut at Kilmore (Race 2 at 1.37pm AEDT).

Kendrick (3g Royal Academy – Discretion by Canny Lad) is trained by the Hawkes family and, although he hasn’t trialled publicly, they know how to get one ready for a first-up tilt.

The gelding was catalogued by Attunga Stud for the 2008 Gold Coast Magic Millions but was withdrawn prior to the sale.  He is by Royal Academy who has sired precocious youngsters like Bel Esprit.  His dam Discretion was also trained by John Hawkes for the Maxsted family and she won on debut in a Red Ruby heat at Mornington in 1997.

Discretion’s first living foal Tactfully (Flying Spur) was placed at Moonee Valley on debut for the same connections.  She then completed a winning hat-trick in Sydney.

Discretion’s best foal to date has been Royal Discretion who was a 2yo winner at Hawkesbury.  He was also by Royal Academy and went on to garner Group 3 victories in the AJC South Pacific Classic and MRC Jayco Cup.