Blossoms Sequel franked his current sparkling form with a hard-fought win in the $60,000 Class 4 race over 1600m on Sunday.
While some may think it was not as impressive as his six-length romp in a similar race a month ago, trainer Laurie Laxon said the gutsy head win over Bring Money Home (Benny Woodworth) was still a laudable effort given he had to cover extra ground four wide from the 900m.
Indeed, the Royal Academy six-year-old was seen plotting a wide course from the back when jockey Manoel Nunes set him alight to take closer order from the leading pack headed by Nation Theatre (A’Isisuhairi Kasim) from the jump.
With an inclination to hang in, Blossoms Sequel ($17) had to be put on an even keel by Nunes first before being given his full head at the 400m. The Tivic Stable-owned gelding swept to the lead once he found his momentum, but Bring Money Home was not coming undone on his inside while Any Rumour (Shafiq Rizuan) on his outside was finishing with a flourish.
In a close three-way go, the three horses were locked in battle for about 75m before Nunes forced the issue by lifting Blossoms Sequel across the line by a head from Bring Money Home with Any Rumour having to settle for third place, beaten by a short head as well. The winning time was 1min 40.2 secs for the 1600m on Polytrack.
Laxon said the longer it is the better Blossoms Sequel will be, but he may have to be restricted to the alternative surface.
“That’s his fourth win and all have been on Polytrack. He was meant to run over a longer race today (Sunday), but it was cancelled,” said Laxon.
“Nunes rode him like he was on the best horse in the race and it’s worked out well. He can stay this horse and I may look for a 1800m or 1900m race for him next.”
Nunes, who is now only three wins shy of his 100th for the year, said Blossoms Sequel has stacks of potential but his light mouth makes him a challenge to ride.
“He’s difficult to ride. He hangs in and you can’t go at him too early as he’s light-mouthed,” said the Brazilian hoop.
“The only worry was the trip was a bit short, but we were able to get a lovely position at the back.
“I had plenty of horse underneath me and I had to let him roll from the back even if it was four wide. I knew he was the best horse in the race and he attacked the line very well.
“Credit to Laurie for having brought this horse at the top of his game today (Sunday).”
Blossoms Sequel has now brought his prizemoney total to around $155,000 for his owner Mr Thomas Loke of Tivic Stable.
– Singapore Turf Club
