An armchair ride aboard impressive debut winner World War in Sunday's $65,000 Initiation Hello Portugal Stakes (1200m) had leading jockey Joao Moreira wanting for more upon dismounting.
Photo by Singapore Turf Club
The flighty three-year-old son of Lonhro never gave his legion of backers ($8) any anxious moments the moment the gates crashed back, taking up the running before pulling away in the home straight for a thumping seven-length win over D'Creator (Saimee Jumaat) with Red River Rock (Barend Vorster) third another one length away. The winning time was 1min 11.98secs on the yielding track.
But the Empress Wu Stable (a new outfit launched by the same connections as Sky and Arowana Stables)-owned galloper did keep his backers on the edge when he started to play up behind the gates.
Moreira even had to jump off to allow him to be loaded in, which he eventually did with the blindfold on.
There was to be no antics when he was sent on his way, racing away like a true professional for a commanding victory that had certainly blown his rider away.
“I was riding him hands and heels and he still won so easily,” said Moreira who was notching his 111st winner.
“I think if he keeps up his form, he will win many more races and I sure would like to stay on this horse.”
Moreira said he was not overly concerned by his barrier antics as the blindfold did make him go in like a lamb in the end.
“The first time I rode him in a trial, he was pretty quiet, but he got a bit nervous today,” he said.
“I think he got a bit scared of the blindfold, but in the end he jumped on terms and did everything by himself.”
Khoo said he had held greater concerns over the going than his fractious behaviour.
“We knew he had ability after his two barrier trial wins, but the wet track was a question mark,” said the Singaporean handler. “I wasn't sure how he would handle it.
“He's also a very temperamental horse. You can't be too rough on him, you have to nurse him along.
“Looking at the way he won today and the feedback I've got from other riders, I think he will get better over more ground.”
World War was purchased by Ong Tiong Seng of Empress Wu Stable for A$75,000 at the 2009 Magic Millions National Weanling Sale at the Gold Coast.
The youngster, from an unraced Fusaichi Pegasus daughter of Caulfield Cup winner Imposera, was selected for Ong by Perth-based horseman Joe Byrne.
