Kendrick hopes he has a real deal

Trainer Stuart Kendrick will test He’s The Deel over 1800 metres at the Gold Coast,

Lightly raced He’s The Deel’s staying bloodlines indicate he should be suited over 1800 metres at the Gold Coast although he is up in class.

Trainer Stuart Kendrick admits he might be testing He’s The Deel a little early in Saturday’s QTIS Three-Year-Old Handicap.

“I know he is a maiden horse having his third start in an open three-year-old,” he said.

“But he has been strong at the finish in both his starts and the form out of those races has been good.

“On his breeding the further they go the better for him and it isn’t the strongest race with some other maidens and country horses.”

He’s The Deel is by multiple Group One winner (It’s A) Dundeel out of Patronage who traces to Sydney Cup and Australian Oaks placegetter Aliyana Tilde.

He will be ridden by Luke Tarrant while rival trainer Tony Sears has elected to claim 3kg with apprentice Baylee Nothdurft on topweight Barefoot.

Sears has been keen to get the filly out in distance and picked Saturday’s race instead of a tilt at the Magic Millions Guineas next week.