Last year’s juvenile champion Lim’s Lightning just can’t sit still and might be better off coming out for a warm-up run before the Singapore Three-Year-Old Challenge kicks off, says trainer Steven Burridge.
After conquering last year’s 2YO series, the son of Lope De Vega is being aimed at the 3YO equivalent coming up in over a month’s time.
With the first Leg, the Group 3 Singapore Three-Year-Old Sprint (1200m) only due on April 5, Burridge said it was unlikely he would be able to keep a lid on the highly-strung individual until then.
As he intently watched his precious charge complete his barrier trial spin on Thursday, the Australian handler was happy to see some steam being let off in a constructive manner.
Held close to the lead but three wide, Lim's Lightning was not stretched out at any stage by jockey Troy See as they went on to settle for fifth place, just a nose behind champion galloper Debt Collector (Michael Rodd) but around five lengths off the winner Yulong Green (Krisna Thangamani).
“He never works with another horse. So that was a good strong trial,” said Burridge.
“He’s done everything right since the break. The first Leg is six weeks away, he may or may not have a run before, we’ll see.
“The problem with him is you can’t spell him too long. When he sees other horses work, he switches on.
“He’s an athlete and he gets himself fit without working too much. We just have to keep him steady, but he appears to be all right.”
Lim’s Stable’s racing manager Mick Dittman was also on hand to supervise the way his boss’s precious charge was put through his paces.
“I’m happy enough with his trial and his condition. We still have a bit of time before his race,” said the former top Australian jockey.
“We may run him beforehand. To have a chance of beating Shane’s (Baertschiger, Bold Thruster) very smart horse, he’s got to be very fit.
“The last time they met (Group 3 Saas Fee Stakes over 1200m on November 9), Lim’s Lightning had no luck.
“He was caught three wide, and Bold Thruster beat him fairly easily. This trial will bring him on.”
See, who was aboard at one (Class 3 race over 1200m on September 14) of his three wins actually shouldered the blame for the defeat that day.
“I made a bad mistake at his last start. It was a small field, but I found myself caught three wide,” said See, who is his own worst critic despite being crowned Singapore champion apprentice jockey last year.
“Benny’s (Woodworth) horse (Autumn Assault) came in between my horse and Bold Thruster. He still ran on good towards the end.
“Anyway, hopefully I can make amends with him this prep. His action was terrific this morning even if he is not one to show much in his trials.
“I’m happy with his condition and I hope he will be one of the leading 3YO’s this year.
“We may trial him again or put him in a race. They’ll decide after they see how he pulls up.
“You could see he’s still a two-year-old in the head. He’s got this energetic attitude, he needs two handlers or he will just fly off.
“He still needs to mature, learn to settle, but I’m still very excited to get back on him in his races this year.”
