Istataba goes one better on raw ability
Argentinian filly Istataba (Treasure Beach) put her best foot forward to get off the mark in the restricted maiden over 1200 metres at Kranji yesterday having shown potential with two seconds from her two starts previously.
The Michael Clements-trained filly jumped smartly from barrier five and kept finding more for Jake Bayliss to defeat Deception (I Am Invincible) by a head in a winning time of 1 minute 11.04 seconds for the 1200 metres on the Short Course.
Assistant trainer Michael White said: “She put the writing on the wall with that first run but this race is a lot stronger on paper.
“She has definitely improved, and we thought she’d run good. It took her the whole of the straight to get there, so it probably reflects that she would get the 1400 metres better.”
A step up in grade is now on the cards for Istataba with the Singapore Three-Year-Old Sprint (Listed, 1200m) and the Singapore Three-Year-Old Classic (Listed, 1400m) held on June 18 and July 9 respectively, in the mix.
“We will look at the better three-year-old feature races in the middle of the year for her, but the older she gets, she is definitely looking for the 1400 to 1600 metres,” White continued.
“She is a lovely filly and she will improve. We’ll see how she goes.”
Metal World hands Lim first win in a thriller
Metal World (Paynter) got up in a nail-biting finish to hand newly licensed trainer Richard Lim his first win when taking out the second division of the Class 4 race over 1200 metres.
The Malaysian-born Singaporean handler had been waiting for his moment in the sun, which he eventually got at his 27th starter since being granted his trainer’s licence in December.
“Finally, my first one,” said a relieved Lim, who had been assistant trainer to both Steven Burridge and Jason Lim over the last five years.
“I was very nervous because at first, I thought My Dreamliner was going to be my first winner, then I saw Metal World coming on the outside.
“I thought he can run good at his first run for me, but I did not expect him to win.
“I want to thank my owners for their support and also thank the club for giving me a licence and a chance to prove myself.”
Double for Logan
Donna Logan added another two winners to her tally after she sent out High Water (Rubick) to take out the opening contest on the 11-race fixture before Brutus (Rubick) bookended the card for the Kiwi trainer with a victory in the finale.