Trainer Michael Freedman's track-rider Amiee Barnes was one relieved young woman after Super Easy made it eight straight wins in the Group 3 $250,000 Singapore Three-Year-Old Sprint over 1200m on Friday night, the first leg of the Singapore Three-Year-Old Challenge.
Photo by Singapore Turf Club
With Freedman away in Dubai with his right-hand man James Peters putting the finishing touches to Better Be The One's preparation before the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan on Saturday night, it was Barnes who was left in charge on home soil.
She left the night with a winning double after Monte Cristo took out the previous race to Super Easy's impressive victory.
Super Easy, ridden by Joao Moriera, scored a comfortable one-and-a-quarter length victory over Speedy Cat (John Powell) with Indicio (Saimee Jumaat) the same margin away third.
Moreira had Super Easy one off the fence in fourth place trailing the speed which was set by Popi Popi (Stephen Baster) and Speedy Cat. He bided his time until into the homestraight before pulling to the outside where he unleashed a powerful finishing burst, hitting the lead at the 200m mark.
Super Easy switched off in the final stages of the race which allowed Speedy Cat – who had been unbeaten at his four previous outings – to whittle down the margin on the line.
Barnes said she felt the pressure going into Friday night's race and was relieved when Super Easy – a horse she rides in trackwork for Freedman – passed the line in front.
“There was a lot of pressure tonight,” said Barnes. “It's so lucky that the horse didn't know how I was feeling.
“But he's never let us down. He just gets on with the job and goes about his business and nothing seems to bother him.
“I'm the lucky one. I get the pleasure of riding him in trackwork every morning and he's such a quality horse.
“There was pressure with Michael being away and to train not only a winner while he's away but a double certainly makes it a great night.
“I know Michael trusts the horse not to do anything silly and he trusts us as well.
“The only instructions Michael left before he flew out for Dubai was to keep him safe and relaxed.
“That was pretty easy as he looks after himself very well. Just puts his head down and cleans out his feed bin.
“He's just a pleasure to be around.”
Moreira was full of praise for the three-year-old who will now head to the final two legs of the Three-Year-Old Challenge, the Group 2 $350,000 Singapore Three-Year-Old Classic over 1400m on April 22 before the Group 1 $500,000 Singapore Guineas over 1600m on May 18.
“If he's not the best horse that I have ridden then I'm sure by the time he has finished he will be,” said Moreira.
“I've won Derby races and Cup races on some very good horses in other countries but this horse is something special.
“Right from day one he has given me that special feel and sitting on top of him in a race is such a pleasure.
“He puts himself in such a nice position and travels so well in his races and today he showed me that he will handle more ground without any worry.
“He's got a great sprint when he lets go but he can also switch off when he thinks his work is finished.
“I didn't pick up the whip to him but I had it ready to show him just in case.”
Super Easy began his racing career in new Zealand before heading to Singapore when he has graduated from a Class 4 win in August last year to success in three black-type races.
A New Zealand-bred three-year-old by Darci Brahma from the Gold Brose mare Parfore, Super Easy is owned by the Joy N Happiness Stable and has won around $700,000 in prizemoney for connections.
