Jockey Benny Woodworth jumped off with a big thumbs-up after getting a first feel of dual-Group winner Clarton Super in a barrier trial on Tuesday morning.
With fellow Malaysian jockey Azhar Ismail suspended for careless riding, Woodworth was hand-picked by trainer Tan Kah Soon to replace the veteran rider on the Swift Alliance six-year-old at his comeback race in the Group 1 Raffles Cup (1600m) on September 23.
The Pentagon Stable-owned Clarton Super was partnered by Malaysia’s multiple-champion jockey Azhar at all his 13 starts for five wins, including the Group 2 EW Barker Trophy (1400m) and the Group 3 Fortune Bowl (1400m).
“He gave me a good feeling this morning,” said Woodworth after steering Clarton Super to third place behind fellow Raffles Cup contender Noah From Goa (Nooresh Juglall) in the barrier trial.
“I was very happy to take the ride on Clarton Super in the Raffles Cup when Kah Soon asked me. I’ve seen his runs and his wins, and we all know how good he is.
“I had him at the back (of the trial) three wide, and he started to quicken nicely on the outside. I did give him a bit of a squeeze in the end and he finished off very well.
“Azhar knows this horse inside out, and I’m just replacing him because he’s suspended. They’re big boots to fill, but it’ll be an honour to replace my senior Malaysian, and I hope I can give Clarton Super a good ride, too.”
Tan could not have given Woodworth a more ringing endorsement of his talent when he explained his decision to put the former Malayan Racing Association champion apprentice jockey up even if he doesn’t book him all that often.
“Azhar is suspended and so is CC (his apprentice jockey Wong Chin Chuen, also for careless riding). So, I gave the ride to the next best jockey available,” said the young Godolphin-trained Malaysian conditioner.
“The horse is well, but he needed the blow this morning as he jarred up a fair bit after his last run (Jumbo Jet Trophy), and that has put him behind schedule. The track was too firm on that day.
“The Raffles Cup is in 12 days’ time. I was pretty happy with his trial and hopefully, he keeps coming on till then.
“A bit of rain on that day wouldn’t harm his chances.”
Clarton Super last ran in the Group 3 Jumbo Jet Trophy (1400m) on August 12 when after settling in the slipstream of the early leaders, he struck the front at the 250m and looked like he could run towards his third ‘black type’ win, but was swamped late by Preditor, Debt Collector and Circuit Land to settle for fourth place, less than a length off the winner.
Clarton Super will get a chance of a rematch with the same three horses in the Raffles Cup, not to mention that from from the beaten brigade in the Jumbo Jet Trophy, Majestic Moments, Mr Clint and Bahana will also be in the way.
