Kenedna seals Not A Single Doubt’s terrific Spring

Arrowfield graduate Kenedna struck on Stakes Day at Flemington to complete Not A Single Doubt’s best-ever Spring and add a fourth Group success to her already excellent record. 

The 5YO mare has worked her way steadily back to her best form this season and burst through late to defeat a strong field of mares in the $300,000 VRC Matriarch S. 2000m G2. Miss Siska and Luvaluva filled the placings.

Kenedna bounces back to form in the Group 2 Matriarch Stakes. https://t.co/EGda8iBRc4 pic.twitter.com/pmlIxMFz5T

— Racing.com (@Racing) November 10, 2018

Following her multiple Group-winning 3YO season, Kenedna’s 4YO campaign ended after one start and her owners considered sending her to stud until trainer Darren Weir suggested they think again.

Weir said, “For some reason, she developed so much. She’s become so big and strong and maybe another preparation might be good. Johnno [co-owner Mick Johnson] went around and saw all the crew, and the next day came back and said to put her back into work. This is the result. It’s a dream result.”

Kenedna has now won a third of her 21 starts for Mick Johnston, Craig Roylance, Terry Ginnane & partners and returned more than $740,000 on the $80,000 Darren Weir, John Foote & MDR Bloodstock paid for her at the 2015 Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale. 

She is one of the six stakeswinners at 2000 metres and beyond who provide solid evidence of Not A Single Doubt’s ability to leave middle-distance performers, as well as star juveniles and top-notch sprinters.

Kenedna’s dam Miss Dodwell, by Japan Cup winner Falbrav, is an obvious source of stamina, although she herself won at 1200 metres, belongs to a largely speed-oriented family and is also the dam of precocious multiple Group-winning sprinter Spill The Beans (by Snitzel), now at stud. 

It’s been an easy decision for Arrowfield to repeat both of Miss Dodwell’s most successful matings. The Stud has retained her 2YO daughter Lady Patricia (by Snitzel), welcomed a brother to Kenedna born last month and has sent the mare back to Snitzel. 

Kenedna is Not A Single Doubt’s 6th stakeswinner this Spring, after two-time Group winner Winter Bride, 2YO Group winner Dubious, Oaks Day Group winner Cool Passion and Listed winners From Within and Doubt Defying.

The age range of these horses, from two to seven, is also typical of Not A Single Doubt whose progeny are noted for their early development but can also continue to progress if, like Kenedna, they are given time to do that. In fact, 46% of the 118 stakes wins on his lifetime stud record have been achieved by his 4YO and older sons & daughters.