Ace King rewarded trainer Theo Kieser’s and his owners Titanium Racing Stable’s patience with a gutsy winning debut on Friday night.
It’s been well documented that the Swiss Ace three-year-old was gearing up as one of the eye-catchers at this year’s Singapore two-year-old series when an untimely tendon injury sent him back to the paddock.
It was not serious but his South African handler decided to abort his two-year-old campaign as he was still so young – and bring him back once he was fully recovered.
Connections were obviously downcast the much-hyped 2YO campaign had been derailed, but at least, it was a healable injury, and Ace King did pull through. Again, Kieser did not rush him when he was fit enough to have a saddle on, just putting him through a couple of easy barrier trials before finally giving him his maiden run in the $75,000 Lantau Island Stakes, a Restricted Maiden race over 1200m.
Ridden by Antonio da Silva, who has been looking after him at this new prep, Ace King began well to camp outside race-leader Perfect Commando (Joao Moreira), looking relaxed and full of running as the field swung for home.
The moment da Silva pushed the button, Ace King ($56) responded with a nice burst, but swayed a little before regrouping for another kick. Favourite Sir Isaac (Michael Rodd) was rattling home for his bid on the outside, but Ace King fought back gamely on the inside to score with three-quarter length to spare.
One Kinabalu (John Powell) ran third another 2 ¾ lengths away. The winning time was 1min 10.27secs for the 1200m on the Long Course.
“He hurt this tendon at his first prep and we gave him time off,” said Kieser.
“When he came back, I just gave him some trials to just do enough to get ready. Hopefully, he will improve from tonight’s run.”
Da Silva, whose English has improved significantly of late, was delighted he was able to steer Ace King to a debut win.
“I work him every day, and he’s improved a lot,” he said.
“Tonight, he jumped well and got into a nice position early. He has a lot of speed.
“He gave a nice kick in the straight, but he then changed his legs. Once I got him on the right leg, he kicked on very well.”
