American-bred three-year-old Italian Job made a winning debut by scoring a barrier-to-box win in the $65,000 Peace & Harmony Stakes Restricted Maiden Division 2 race (1200m) on Monday.
Photo by Singapore Turf Club
The Saint Anddan colt was punched out of barrier No 6 by jockey Manoel Nunes to take up the running in the 11-horse field and never really gave any anxious moments to those who backed him down to $34.
Favourite OM (Joao Moreira) came with a strong run at the 300m but could only finish within 1 ½ lengths from the winner while Lucky Lion (Danny Beasley) ran third another three parts of a length away. The winning time was 1min 10.98secs.
Kok said he was unsure whether a 1200m race on turf would suit Italian Job at his debut race, but decided to take a chance in the end.
“I was a bit worried about him going on turf for his first race. I thought 1200m would be too long first-up as well,” said Kok.
“But then again, you have to take some risks in this job at times. I’m glad it paid off in the end.
“He ran very well at his first barrier trial when Nunes rode him, but he suffered some interference and ran fourth in the end.
“I think I will keep him to sprint races for the time being. I hope he can go on to better things later.”
Nunes, who was aboard that barrier trial when he ran fourth to Petite Victoire on January 16, gave a glowing report on his 14th winner.“His work has been good leading up to that race, but he’s still a baby. We put the blinkers on to make him concentrate better in his race,” said Nunes.
“He was drawn beautifully in six and he jumped really well. I didn’t have to push him too hard to take the lead.
“I was then able to control the pace and he was cantering for me. At the top of the straight, he kicked clear and was too good in the run to the line.
“I think he can go up to 1400m as he’s such a big-striding horse. Hopefully he can go on to better things after that first run.”
