Knight’s Command topped off his condition ahead of the Group 3 Fortune Bowl (2000m) on Friday with a leisurely barrier trial on Tuesday.
The Pins seven-year-old has been kept ticking over by trainer Bruce Marsh since his slashing win in the Group 3 Woodlands Classic Stakes (2000m) on January 25.
That day, ridden by Manoel Nunes, the New Zealand-bred gelding enjoyed a cosy trail on the fence in the small six-horse field before putting paid to them with a powerful acceleration.
Raced by the TITS & LFS Stable, Knight's Command has been a stalwart for Marsh in long-distance features since landing his first “Black Type” in the Group 3 Admiralty Classic Stakes (1600m) last April. Though subsequently unplaced in all three Legs of the Singapore Triple Crown series, he was not disgraced, improving on his third to Quechua in the Group 3 New Year Cup (1900m) to get right on target in the Woodlands Classic Stakes.
This Friday’s traditional Chinese New Year event, which Marsh has yet to annex, was the natural progression as far as Knight’s Command’s next assignment went, given both events are run on 2000m on the Short Course, and they are four weeks apart.
Marsh has kept his charge fresh for his bid for a third Group 3 success, mindful of his “dodgy” legs. His apprentice Zuriman Zulkifli just took him for an easy stroll in Tuesday’s barrier trial, running sixth, just under five lengths off the winner Daniel.
Ironically, Nunes who rides Knight’s Command in the Fortune Bowl, was aboard Daniel, whom he was meant to be riding at his comeback ride on Sunday in the Kranji Stakes A race over 1200m. Unfortunately, the Guillotine grey bled and was withdrawn from the race.
Though disappointed with Daniel’s setback, Nunes would have been happy with Knight’s Command’s wind-opener behind him, as was Marsh after the trial.
“I normally only trial my horses on Tuesdays if they race on a Sunday, but it’s only a couple of days before and he should be okay as he took it easy – as usual,” said the New Zealander.
“He’s one of those horses who takes it easier in his trials than in his races. He is not hard on himself, which suits me fine.
“Zuriman didn’t knock him about and that was the plan. He did it easy and I was very happy with that.
“His leg issues are under control and all’s good with him. He should run well again.”
A five-time winner at Kranji, Knight’s Command’s local stakes earnings would reach just a tick under the half-million mark should he win the Fortune Bowl on Friday.
