Trainer Steven Burridge may have only had a light muster of runners but he could not have asked for a better start to the day with an early double on Sunday.
Photo by Singapore Turf Club
His day started perfectly when Iluminado took out the $75,000 Class 3 Stakes over 1700m before Gilt Lad took out the $55,000 Class 4 Div. 2 Stakes over 1200m.
After a winning treble the previous Sunday, Burridge didn’t have a runner on Friday night and had just three runners at Sunday’s meeting.
Ridden by apprentice A’Isisuhairi (Harry) Kasim, Iluminado raced away to a four length victory over The Rude Warrior (Ivaldo Santana) with Flying Zero (Manoel Nunes) a half-length away third.
Iluminado was given a gun ride by A’Isisuhairi who tracked the speed set by Flying Zero and Warspirit (Joao Moreira) before moving into a winning position before the turn.
After balancing up for the run home, A’Isisuhairi gave Iluminado his head and he quickly put the race beyond reach of the opposition.
The victory was back-to-back successes for Iluminado who had won over 1600m on the turf on February 15.
Burridge said he believed Iluminado to be a more than handy galloper on the Polytrack before he started to struggle on the surface but he recaptured his form on the turf at his last two starts.
“We thought the Polytrack was his surface after he had shown some good form but then he started to struggle on it,” said Burridge.
“We put him onto the turf and he put in two really good runs on soft ground and I think that gave him the confidence again.
“Matt (Kellady) usually rides him but we thought we’d put Harry on him and take advantage of the extra 2kg claim.
“He came in pretty well at the weights and Harry gave him a really good ride.
“It’s especially good for the owner to get another win. He’s been with a long time and has been a loyal supporter.”
A’Isisuhairi said there was nice pace in the race which suited him and he was able to work his way into the race when he wanted.
“He travelled so nicely on a nice steady pace,” said A’Isisuhairi. “We got to the 600m and he rolled into the race nicely.
“From there I was always confident and he extended really well in the straight for a good win.”
Iluminado is an Argentinean-bred five-year-old by Body Glove from Brillosa and landed his sixth victory from 34 starts with a further 10 placings and has now won more than $350,000 in prizemoney for owner Ian Brown.
The second winner Gilt Lad has been a problem galloper for Burridge and was lining-up for just his fourth career start on Sunday.
Gilt Lad arrived in Singapore in April 2011 but didn’t make his racetrack debut until January this year with a second placing in Novice grade before winning in that grade on February 3.
He was then touched out by stablemate Pitstop at his last start on February 22.
Burridge said a series of feet problems had kept Gilt Lad from the racetrack but the trainer was slowly getting on top of the problems.
“I’ve got to thank (farrier) Paul Summers, Dr Curry (Keoughan) and all the vet department for their work with this horse,” said Burridge.
“They have done an outstanding job to get this horse to the races and keep on top of his problems.
“(Wife) Julie has also worked hard getting him fit and keeping him fit and the two boys Matt and Harry are also an integral part of the team.”
With the second win in his short career, Gilt Lad is slowly starting to repay the price Burridge’s son Wade had to pay for the gelding from Victorian trainer Jason Williams.
“Every win helps out,” said Burridge. “Wade found this horse from Jason Williams and the wins have vindicated what we always thought of him.”
A five-year-old by Court Of Jewels from Gold And Red, Gilt Lad has won almost $90,000 in prizemoney from his two wins and two second placings for the Cassandra Stable.
