Super One – top quality sort
My highlight of the weekend by a mile was the smashing 2yo colt who goes by the name of Super One. He took out the Juvenile Championship. He didn’t just win – he demolished the opposition. He is flash looking, weighs in at 555kg’s and has the demeanour of a really good horse. It is difficult not to pick him out, writes Gareth Pepper.
He is a magnificent specimen and trainer Michael Freedman really has done an outstanding job with him. He does everything right – his work is great, his trials are flawless and best of all his raceday tactics are simply breathtaking. He has tremendous gate speed, a high cruising speed and finishes off with super impressive fractions – although he has never been fully extended – leaving me wondering what is left in the tank?
Exciting
Corey Brown rode Super One
I have no doubt the engines have not even begun to get warmed up and Sunday’s win sent shivers down my spine. Corey Brown picked up the ride on him after Craig Newitt returned to Australia, and the sub rider barely moved.
He compared him to the great racehorse and sire Exceed and Excel, who he won on at the highest level. For the first time in a while I was left speechless. In all probability he seems headed to Melbourne for the Coolmore Stakes Group 1 at the end of October and I fear Sunday’s race may have been the last time we will have the pleasure of seeing him here. I really do wish Michael Freedman and the connections well with this impressive colt.
Trio Of Winners
Step It Up, Super Winner and Super One were the respective winners of Sunday’s 3 feature races.
Step It Up the game campaigner won his 12th Race by taking out the Chairman’s Trophy Group 2 and proved yet again how tough and resilient he is. Not the biggest or most flash of individuals, ridden for luck in the home straight by Jockey Nunes and won again. It was Trainer Laurie Laxon’s 5th win in the Chairman’s Trophy as he bids to try and overhaul current log leader Mark Walker in his bid to win his 10th trainer’s premiership in Singapore.
Super Winner won the inaugural Korea Racing Trophy. A familiar name in Theo Kieser trains this super impressive 3yo who now boasts 6 wins from 9 starts. Local favourite KB Soo rode a gem of a race and was all smiles and full of praise for this up and coming youngster.
Independence
The 50th year of independence will be celebrated next year and preparations are well under way. The Army and Airforce have been honing their parade skills and the general public have also come to the party with commemorative decorations all over town.
I am looking forward to witnessing the national day parade for the first time. When looking at how proud the Singaporeans are, I often sit back and wonder how things are going back home. I wish I could visit more often but the reality is that it is not possible. I will be back next May for my younger brother Michael’s wedding and I am proud to say I have been asked to be the Best Man and MC – so I am already counting down the days.
An Invitation
I have been here for just over 6 months now and although time has flown and many things in my life have changed, I look back and couldn’t imagine not have taken this opportunity.
The biggest downside I suppose is that I really do miss my family and friends, but the opportunity to gain international experience and represent South Africa here really make me proud. It’s great to hear from friends and colleagues back home. (I do daily – whatsapp, skype and viber are amazing and really come in handy) and if anyone wants to get in touch or needs a tour guide here, I would love to hear from you – my personal email address is [email protected] or you can follow me on twitter @gazzadp.
Till next time
