It would seem a throat surgery was the solution to Felarof’s problem after he made it back-to-back wins on Friday night.
Prior to that sudden surge of form, the Tale Of The Cat four-year-old admittedly did not fare too badly with two wins on the board in 17 outings, but the runs in between had also been less than inspiring.
Granted the Lucky Stable-owned galloper’s last win in a Class 4 race over 1400m was gained in the Stewards’ room, but stringing two wins together and against stiffer cattle at the second win on Friday night does suggest he might have finally turned the corner. Trainer Steven Burridge revealed that it was not until they detected some noise post-race that they were able to unlock his true potential.
“He made a bit of a noise after one run, and he had a wind op which seems to have turned his form around,” said Burridge.“A big thank you to Dr Curry Keoughan (Singapore Turf Club veterinary surgeon) who has done a great job with the surgery at his last time in. He obviously breathes a lot better now.
“He had a break and ran third first-up and then won, but then he went ordinary. But at his last start, he won a Class 4 and now he’s won in Class 3.
“Here I have to thank his owner Mr Robert Ng from the Far East Organisation. Every time I message him his horse won, he would straightaway reply ‘thanks very much’ which is very good of him.
“He’s a good owner to not just me but to the other trainers he has horses with here at Kranji.”
Beasley’s surprised expression as he dismounted certainly mirrored the $148 odds Felarof went off at. He said he definitely did not head out with the same confidence he was armed with when he marched into the Stewards’ room at their last start 12 days ago.
“We got a bit lucky at our last start but I was confident the objection would be upheld as Alan’s horse (Asprey) did take our rightful running. The Stewards made the right decision,” said the Australian hoop.
“Look, I don’t really know this horse to be honest as I’ve been on him only twice, but from I what I saw at his previous runs, he was quite sluggish.
“I was told he had a wind op and maybe that’s why he travelled so much better tonight. I thought he would find it tougher tonight against stronger opposition, but he was going so well I was like ‘hold on buddy’, you’re in with a chance, but just wait till you get daylight.
“But once he did, he just put his head through and stretched it out so well. He’s a really transformed horse and I’m glad I’ve come on at the right time.”
Felarof has now brought his race record to four wins and five placings from 19 runs for stakes earnings past the $165,000 mark for the Lucky Stable.
