Punters were left shellshocked when an already headed Yulong Edition crept his way back along the rails to score at odds in the $70,000 Kranji Stakes C race over 1600m on Sunday, but not his trainer Shane Baertschiger.
While a 12th and an 11th at his two local starts wouldn’t spark a rush to the windows, Baertschiger is adamant the Irish-bred four-year-old by Makfi “would have won” first-up if not for the gelding getting flattened on the rails 200m out in a Class 3 race over 1200m.
Then ridden by now Adelaide-based jockey Barend Vorster, Yulong Edition was improving noticeably on the inside, but as the pack of horses suddenly took a crunch from the knock-on effect of winner Nimble shifting in ever so slightly, he was poleaxed onto the fence and put out of the race.
But he then beat one home at his next start over 1400m, which probably explained why he got merely a passing glance on Sunday, even if he was rising to a more suitable journey for the first time. His English record indicated he was a two-time winner over the mile and 10 furlongs when known as De Medici.
Baertschiger also decided to take a leaf from his UK race videos where he was often raced handy. Once the draws were out, the Australian handler duly informed the Stewards Yulong Edition would be ridden more positive this time.
From barrier No 3, jockey Matthew Kellady had no problem driving the 66-1 shot to the front, before controlling the race to a nicety.
Kellady had done a good job sitting pretty in the saddle for most of the way, but Baertschiger’s little battle plan looked like it would come undone when favourite Sun Marshal (Vlad Duric) collared Yulong Edition and, seemingly, had the race shot to pieces.
But that much-hyped stamina from the Emerald Isles should never be underestimated.
Responding to Kellady’s urgings, Yulong Edition found a second wind as he fought his way back on the fence to outstay Sun Marshal by half-a-length.
Black Jade (A’Isisuhairi Kasim) ran third another 2 ½ lengths away. The winning time was 1min 39.09secs for the Polytrack mile.
“He should have won at his first run. He was nearly put through the rails,” said Baertschiger.
“We put a line through that run. His form in England was to go forward and I straightaway informed the Stewards he would be ridden that way today.
“He can be quite a handful, he is bad in the barriers. Like he was edgy today, but we don’t walk him in the parade ring and keep him in the calming stall. (Assistant trainer) Scotty (Bailey) has done a good job there.
“He could become a Derby horse. He will be up on the speed, we’ll see how he progresses.”
Kellady was for one not as upbeat as Baertschiger when he was legged up aboard the longshot racing in the green Yu Long Stable colours, more so when he had not been led in at the winner’s circle since his solitary 2019 winner Effortless on January 6.
But the Ipoh-born rider carried Baertschiger’s instructions out to the letter and was repaid with a second victory almost two months later.
“It’s been a long time between drinks – since January,” he said.
“At his first race, this horse got smashed and he is also known to be a nutcase in the barriers.
“But he’s won a nice race today. It can only be onwards and upwards.
“I actually mentioned to Shane he might be better off without the earmuffs as he can then hear me when I pop the question, but he’s also a lot better now.
“Today, he ran a strong mile and I believe he’s bred to stay. He will get 2000m without any problem.”
