Rare consolation for Stuart Kendrick

The impressive win of Rare Occurrence at Doomben is some consolation for her trainer Stuart Kendrick who has had to retire Divine Centuri.

Kendrick suggested Divine Centuri be retired after she finished midfield in the Silk Stocking at the Gold Coast two weeks ago.

“She didn’t have much luck but I wasn’t happy with the way she went to the line. She was a bit proppy after the race and while it was nothing serious I think it is time to retire her,” Kendrick sad.

“She doesn’t like wet tracks but also she doesn’t go well on rock-hard tracks.”

Divine Centuri won the Listed Mick Dittman Plate last year but has since had problems with her knees.

She retires with four wins and will head to the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale later this month.

Kendrick is hoping Rare Occurrence can fill the void and pick up some black-type during the winter carnival.

The three-year-old filly has shown a real liking for Doomben but Kendrick believes she is well up to good company on any track.

The trainer also prepares promising two-year-old Italia Bella who was third at her second race start in the Group Two Dalrello Stakes on Saturday.

Italia Bella is by champion sire Fastnet Rock out of the Group One winning mare Pear Tart.

“To get black-type at only her second start was an excellent effort and now for something a bit better,” Kendrick said.