Class mare Mabel Grace came in under the radar for her underrated sire Kendel Star at Ascot on Saturday. She started at $10 and shouldered 60kg to a last-stride victory in the LR Jungle Dawn Classic (1400m).
Mabel Grace (6m Kendel Star – Belle Heed by Serheed) took advantage of a rails run to collar Miss Vinnoire (Blackfriars) right on the line. “She’s a beautiful mare to have around the stables,” trainer Adam Durrant said. “She’s hard and tough and always gives her best.”
Kendel Star is based at Rivercrest Stud on the Old Coast Road at Myalup. Studmaster Steve Hoare stands him in association with owner Greg Maclou for a $5,500 (inc gst) service fee.
Kendel Star (Kenmare) covers books of between 20 and 30 mares at the south-west stud and has sired 65 winners of 220 races at a 58% strike-rate. His best galloper to date has been Maclou’s tough sprinter Kens Double who has won 10 races and $410,000.
Mabel Grace was winning her second race at black-type level following the LR York Stakes at Ascot in April. Her connections also won a free service to Blackfriars after she finished second to New Image in last year’s Matchmaker Classic.
– Karl Patterson