Caloundra trainer Stuart Kendrick is not one to worry about bookmakers’ prices but he is stunned by the odds of two-year-old Eric The Eel in the Group One J J Atkins Plate at Eagle Farm.
Kendrick admits he thought Eric The Eel would be a quarter of his $51 quote in Saturday’s 1600m-race.
“After his fourth in the Phoenix Stakes last Saturday I thought he would shorten significantly,” Kendrick said.
“Instead of that he has blown like a gale. Was I watching the same race?
“He had no chance when getting so far back in the Phoenix on a track like Doomben. But he finished better than anything else in the race.”
Kendrick said Eric The Eel had shown his liking for big tracks with two wins at the Sunshine Coast.
“I would be surprised if 1600 metres on a big track like Eagle Farm doesn’t suit him,” Kendrick said.
Multiple Group One winning jockey Glen Boss has taken the ride on Eric The Eel.
“I don’t think Glen has ever ridden for me before but he is still in great form,” Kendrick said.
“Eric The Eel cost only $7000 and he is already a bargain. But he may be one of the all-time best buys after Saturday.”
Oh Five Glory is an even longer price but her trainers Peter and Will Hulbert are sure she can bounce back from her failure in the BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes.
The filly underwent a thorough veterinary examination after that race and was given the green light to continue her preparation.
She will be the stable’s first Group One runner and will start from barrier two.
“She has worked well this week and from barrier two would should be able to ride her closer,” Will Hulbert said.