|
|
Dunkirk registers first winner Henry Leong and Daniel Lew's Kendini became the first winner sired by classic-placed Dunkirk when wiring the field in Sunday's 1ST race at Emerald Downs. Trained by Chris Stenslie and ridden by Rocco Bowen, Kendini was made the 8-5 favorite in his first career start. The two-year-old colt broke alertly, set a pressured pace from off the rail and held gamely to the wire for a three-quarters length victory. The gray crossed the wire in :52 4/5 for the 4 1/2-furlong test on the fast track. Bred by Red Blood Diamond Bloodstock and Polo Green Stable in Kentucky, Kendini sold as a yearling for $11,000 at the Keeneland January sale. He is the first registered foal out of Next Big Nothin' (Forest Wildcat). Dunkirk also broke his maiden at first asking, taking that initial win by 5 3/4 lengths at Gulfstream Park in January 2009 before adding an allowance score to his resume the next month at that same venue. Trainer Todd Pletcher threw his gray pupil to the wolves next out, saddling him for a runner-up finish in the Florida Derby (G1), and then sent Dunkirk to Kentucky for a try in the Run for the Roses. Dunkirk stumbled and was steadied in the Kentucky Derby, eventually winding up 11th, but came back a month later to run an excellent second in the Belmont S. A son of Unbridled's Song, Dunkirk was produced by multiple Grade 1 victress and Kentucky Oaks diva Secret Status (A.P. Indy). His second dam is Grade 1-placed stakes winner Private Status (Alydar), who also produced Secret Status' full brother multiple Grade 3 scorer Alumni Hall. Dunkirk's third dam is Miss Eva (*Con Brio II), who produced Grade 1 queens Miss Brio (Semenenko) and Maria Candela (*Balconaje). Retired with a record of 5-2-2-0, $393,200, Dunkirk stands at Ashford Stud near Versailles, Kentucky, for $10,000, stands and nurses. Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com
 Send this article to a friend
|
|
