Ironchamp delivers knockout blow
Steven Burridge was more concerned about getting a dry track than Ironchamp’s (Glass Harmonium) awkward gate ahead of yesterday’s Class 3 race over 1400 metres but he need not have worried as the speedy five-year-old made the race his own after he easily overcame barrier 12.
Sacred Judgement (So You Think) valiantly tried to claim a fifth win in a row but Ironchamp was not for catching, coming home a length and a quarter clear in a time of 1min 21.9secs for the 1400 metres on the Long Course.
“This horse doesn’t like the wet, so I was worried about the track, but not so much the outside draw as he’s a natural leader,” said Burridge.
“Today, he also had the right weight going up to Class 3. Weights are a big burden, and to have such a low weight sort of helped him. He also had nothing to take him on. It’s worked out very well.
“I’m really happy for his owners Chee Kiong and Mr Tan. They also own Ironclad and Ironprince with me, and it’s great to train another winner for them.”
Along with six placings, Ironchamp has now recorded three wins from 17 starts for the CK Stable.
Girl power springs Clements back in the race
Reigning champion trainer Michael Clements gave a timely reminder that he was still a force to be reckoned with courtesy of an early quickfire double.
With only one winner to lay claim to for the whole month of September it’s been more descent than ascent for Clements in recent weeks, exacerbated further by in-form rival Mark Walker shooting clear at the top by seven winners.
However, Harry Dream (Pins) in the first race and Greatham Girl (Super One) in the next stepped up to the plate to bring the Clements team back in the hunt.
“A lot of my horses were due for a break. The handicap had caught up with them, many have gone up in ratings” he said.
“That explained the quiet period, even if it’s been longer than usual. It’s good to be back in the winners’ circle.”
On his first winner Harry Dream, Clements said: “She’s a filly who had issues with both her front hooves, she’s got flat hooves. We’ve had to nurse along and we’ve managed it well.”
After completing his double Clements added: “Greatham Girl had shown up nicely in some high-class races prior to this. The 1400 metres was good for her and she drew well. She was strong up the straight even if there was a bit of interference in the first half of the straight. She then pulled away to an easy win.”
Walker fires back with Success and Missile
Just when Clements thought he had bounced back into the reckoning with a long overdue double, a counter-attack from Walker neutralised his sudden awakening.
The Kiwi handler, himself a hot favourite for a fourth champion trainer’s gong, hit back with Broadway Success (Alamosa) in the Class 5 Division 1 race over 1200 metres before Speedy Missile (Smart Missile) took out the Class 4 race over 1200 metres.
“The horses are in good form and are winning races, that’s what matters at the end of the day,” Walker said.
“Speedy Missile was unlucky halfway up the straight. He was held up a few times but he scored a nice win in the end.”
Strong N Best lives up to name
A first venture beyond the mile paid instant dividends for Strong N Best (Rock N Pop) as the five-year-old lived up to his name when skipping clear of his rivals to post a length and a half success in a time of 1min 45.4secs for the 1700 metres on the Polytrack.
“He can stay, but unfortunately, there aren’t many races like that on Polytrack,” said winning trainer Kuah Cheng Tee.
“I replaced the winkers with blinkers, but to be honest, I’m not sure if that made any difference. If the blinkers worked today, I’ll stick to that, but they may not necessarily work next time.”