Kenda was making her stakes debut in Sunday’s $75,000 Special Goddess S. at Santa Anita, but was unfazed by the step up in class as the 3-year-old Bodemeister filly came away a convincing winner in the 6 1/2-furlong contest on the turf.
After trying the main track in her first three starts, trainer Phil D’Amato switched Kenda to the grass, and the dark bay has responded with a pair of wins and two seconds in four starts on the lawn.
Kenda is Bodemeister’s fifth stakes winner of 2017, led of course by Kentucky Derby (G1) hero Always Dreaming and American Anthem, who was an eye-catching winner of the Woody Stephens S. (G2) on Saturday.
Kenda had the lead the entire way on Sunday, but got plenty of pressure in the first half-mile form Saburai, then when she faded Storm the Hill took up the chase. Again, Kenda turned her away as well, only to have Madam Dancealot (IRE) come on the scene very late, but Kenda prevailed by three-quarters of a length in 1:12.69.
D’Amato trains Kenda for Joey Platt and Jack Simms. The Kentucky-bred filly has now earned $111,225. She is the first foal out of the stakes winner Indian Legend.
