Kendel Star mare Bawcatme will more than pay her way in Melbourne after a promising first-up fourth at Moonee Valley on November 15.
Bawcatme (5m Kendel Star – Bawclass by Euclase) is based at Cranbourne with former WA trainer John Price. She is a homebred for Price and part-owner Tom Percy and won races at Belmont (2), Ascot and Pinjarra from just 12 starts in the west.
The wheel has turned full circle for Kendel Star who stands at Rivercrest Park in the south-west of WA. He won his first city race at Moonee Valley and was also G2 placed in the Bill Stutt Stake at the same venue.
Bawcatme was not disgraced against some slick sprinters in the Essendon Mazda 55 Second Challenge (955m) last Friday. She flew home to be beaten little more than a length by stakes winning mare Prettyhappyaboutit (Magnus).
Price decided to leave Western Australia to cash in on Victoria’s lucrative on VOBIS Gold bonus scheme. “I had backed off to a handful back home and elected to come over here and have a go,” he said. “I bought several yearlings here last year and they were VOBIS qualified.
“In some cases the bonus is worth more than the actual prize money – it’s a great concept. My owners agreed and we have 12 in work at Cranbourne including 8 VOBIS Gold eligible youngsters.
Bawcatme’s part-owner Tom Percy is a prominent Perth QC. “Tom loves his football and his racing in Victoria,” Price explained. “He was more than happy to send Bawcatme over.
“Last Friday was a starting point and she will improve on that run. She’s usually very consistent and holds her form.”
Kendel Star got her from Bawclass who also won in Perth for Price and Percy. Her second-dam Bawcvader (Bold Invader) and third-dam Bawcstar (Cantabrian) also made the grade in town for the pair.
Fourth dam Belinda’s Star (Tudor Warning) won the Winterbottom Stakes and Prince Of Wales Stakes in 1975 and came back the following year to capture the double for a second time.
Kendel Star is a son of Kenmare and Rivercrest Park studmaster Steve Hoare stands him for a $5,500 (inc gst) service fee.
TOM PERCY
Part-owner and breeder of Bawcatme