Trainer Steven Burridge saddled a one-two finish in the $60,000 Class 4 race over 1200m on Sunday courtesy of Hermano Menor and recent Australian import Jay Eff Express.
The two of them worked together during training this week and from an ability and race readiness perspective, Burridge noticed that there wasn’t much separating one from the other.
The Australian conditioner was contemplating separating the two gallopers by placing them in different races but their respective owners decided to just let them both run in the same race.
“The two of them worked in training together this week and there was literally no difference between the two horses,” said Burridge.
“I wanted to split the horses but the owners were okay running them in the same race.
“Hermano Menor was the better horse today. He really has a lot of ability.
“He was actually ready to race a month ago but he got a fever. I have had to scratch him twice as his fever went from 40 degrees to 43 degrees at the vet’s. He almost died!”
The Duporth three-year-old drew marble one and took full advantage of the situation by going straight for the lead from the get-go. From there on, he remained just ahead of Cash Box (Benny Woodworth) and Jay Eff Express (Corey Brown) as they negotiated the bend.
Upon entering the home straight, A’Isisuhairi Kasim prodded Hermano Menor on towards the post, with Jay Eff Express and Irish Rebel (Shafiq Rizuan) continuing to keep tabs on him.
But the Big Valley Stable galloper’s class told in the end as he pulled away in the last furlong to complete his all-the-way win in 1min 10.14secs, two lengths ahead of Jay Eff Express. Irish Rebel was a further three-parts-of-a-length away in third.
“Today he showed what a decent horse he is,” said A’Isisuhairi.
“We got a good draw and the boss said if no-one wanted to lead, then take the easy lead.
“I was a little worried because he was carrying a little weight but that obviously didn’t stop him winning today.
“I would like to say thank you to (horse owner) Masa Otani for his support and the opportunities he has given to me.”
Burridge is still undecided as to where to place the bay gelding next.
“We will have a look around and see where else we can enter him. We may not stick to 1200m as 1400m is also an option," he said.
“He’s no slouch over that distance. Although he finished sixth at his last start he was only three lengths behind the winner.”
With this win, Hermano Menor has taken his stakes winnings for the Big Valley Stable over the $150,000 mark.
