Trainer Michael Clements hopes his pace theory about Super Line is spot-on ahead of his third assignment in Sunday’s last race.
The three-year-old son of Shamoline Warrior is undefeated in two starts, but experts were unanimous that while his head-win from Prechagorda the second time round in a Class 4 race over 1200m on turf on July 10 was no doubt gallant, it was a lot harder than the first one – a four-and-a-half-length drubbing of the same John O’Hara-trained mare in an Initiation race over 1000m on Polytrack on June 3.
Maybe Prechargorda has improved by four lengths or the three-kilo pull in weights has bridged the gap between the two in five weeks, but Clements has his own take on the more laboured win.
“Vlad Duric had him nicely settled early, but then the tempo increased. The horse in front of him was not going forward, so Vlad had to switch him out,” said Clements.
“Turning for home, he had to make his move early and that’s why I think he did not have the same kick in the home straight compared to his first win over 1000m.
“On that day, he was outpaced early, but he was able to quicken up late, and won very impressively. Ideally, he’s better off settling off the pace at a slower tempo and over 1400m.”
Super Line is indeed stepping up to the seven-furlong trip in Sunday’s $60,000 Why Be 2005 Stakes, a BM67 race, with Clements praying they don’t go hell for leather this time.
“Looking at the speedmap, I don’t think there will be a lot of pace in the race,” said Clements.
“He’s drawn a good gate (four) and if they go at a slower tempo, he should run well. It’s only his third run, and I’m still learning about him, but so far that’s the impression he’s left.”
Clements is aware Super Line, who will again have Duric aboard, will have on his way a few last-start winners such as Elise, Casing Royal and Optimus who can halt his winning streak, but keeps his fingers crossed the perfect run can keep going.
“The owner (MC Racing Stable) also has shares in Alibi and Arhat. He is very passionate about racing, just like the other owners in that group, which is what we need here, enthusiastic owners who show their joy when their horses win,” said Clements.
“This is a horse with a brilliant future and looking at the way he runs, he can even go over a little more ground.”
Clements singled out Super Line as his special for Sunday, and for the weekend overall as a matter of fact, as he looks to better his all-time highest monthly record of seven winners for July. Besides another four runners on Sunday, he has only Lion Wave going around on Friday.
“I keep track of my winners on a monthly basis, and this July is the first time I’ve ever had seven winners in a month,” said the former two-time Zimbabwe champion trainer who has yet to finish on top in the Singapore standings, where he currently sits in ninth spot on 27 winners, 23 behind leader Alwin Tan.
“This season has been clearly one of my best seasons since I’ve been training here (1998). I normally hit a flat spot around this time of the year, but I’ve kept the momentum going this time.
“Hopefully Super Line can help improve the score as he’s clearly my best chance for the weekend. I’ve got three horses (Stick Seeker, Amazon Gold and Ace Rich) in the Kranji Stakes D 1200m, and I think Amazon Gold has the better chance.”
