A knowledge of pedigree can go a long way in getting the best out of a horse, and that wisdom came true with Mr Whitaker proving trainer Laurie Laxon right on Friday.
The nine-time Singapore champion trainer told jockey Michael Rodd they may have erred when the three-year-old son of leading New Zealand sire Darci Brahma was ridden positive at his last start on April 12 when second-up in a Restricted Maiden race over 1400m.
Tracking Whisperinthewind from the get-go, Mr Whitaker was still in the mix in the home straight but blew out inside the last furlong to finish eighth. On the other hand, at his debut in March, Mr Whitaker settled in mid-division before making late ground to run third to Kam’s Comet.
That run backed up Laxon’s belief that the progeny of Darci Brahma are the sorts who leave their runs late, and that was the blueprint he brought to the parade ring at the pre-race concertations ahead of the $75,000 Restricted Maiden race over 1200m.
Rodd rode to instructions and the pair hit instant paydirt. Travelling in the box-seat behind leader Tenma (Rueven Ravindra) from the beginning, Mr Whitaker let down like a good thing when he was angled out for his bid to peg back favourite Ninetysevenemperor (Manoel Nunes), who had conversely coursed out wider and hit the front at the 300m.
Mr Whitaker ($33) eventually hit home with one length to spare from a gallant Ninetysevenemperor with Proud Pinoy (Alan Munro) sailing home late for third another neck away. The winning time was 1min 12.05secs.
“Most of the Darci Brahma’s are better left alone and then, they come home,” said Laxon.
“At his last start, he raced handy and it didn’t quite work out. He had a much better chance ridden this way today.”
Rodd paid all the credit to Laxon for hatching the new battle plan.
“He was dropping from 1400m to 1200m. Laurie told me he is a Darci Brahma and I should ride him back,” said the Australian jockey.
“He tracked into it well but he didn’t quite pull away quickly. I think he’s looking for up to 1400m and even the mile.”
