A step-up in distance coupled with a change in headgear paved the way to the Michael Freedman-trained Big City’s first win on Sunday.
Third at his first three outings over races ranging from 1000m to 1200m, the Not A Single Doubt three-year-old made his own luck from the moment he easily landed in front under jockey Nooresh Juglall. Rated to perfection by the Mauritian rider, Big City ($49) had beginner Lonhmin (David Flores) on his girth from the start, but was always on the bridle and sprinted away to a commanding break once he was released at the 300m.
Bhaskara (Corey Brown) attacked the line gallantly after coming off his box-seat while favourite Chase (Zuriman Zulkifli), who was slow into stride from marble one, was also winding up, but both were hard-pushed to really cut into the margin.
Big City, running in the yellow O & T Stable colours made famous by stablemate Mr Big, recorded a one-length win from a gallant Bhaskara with Chase having to settle for third place another half-a-length away. The winning time was 1min 22.74secs for the 1400m on the Short Course.
Freedman said the lack of speed in the $65,000 What Now 2012 Stakes Initiation race over 1400m called for a more positive ride aboard Big City and heaped praise on Juglall’s well-judged ride at the head of affairs.
“I didn’t want to take the winkers off too early as he would have been spinning his wheels a little. I was waiting until he got up to 1400m, which was always the way I wanted to go with him,” said Freedman.
“As there was no natural pace in the race, the plan was to dictate and Nooresh does a good job at that. Once the horse got in front, he had no excuses and it’s worked out well.
“He’s not overly big, but he has ability and is a nice horse in the making.”
Juglall was delighted he was able to repay the faith placed back in him by the connections. He first rode Big City at his debut in a 1000m race before Corey Brown took over at the subsequent runs.
“Thanks to the connections for putting me back on this horse. I rode him at his debut and he’s really improved since,” he said.
“The 1000m races were too fast for him. We had to bustle him up to keep up, but those longer races suit him better.
“He’s a lot more relaxed now. When he jumped, his ears were pricked straightaway and he settled well in the lead.
“I did not try to slow him down as I didn’t want to break his stride and he gave me a nice kick before the home turn. I think the 1400m is his trip, maybe up to 1600m.”
