The Super Line camp will not be upping the distance for the son of Shamoline Warrior even after watching him steam home to edge out favourite Jobodwana in a thrilling finish to Friday’s $80,000 Open Benchmark 74 race over 1100m.
A progressive path towards more ground seemed to be the way to go early at his first prep. Following a winning debut over 1000m, the Michael Clements-trained galloper went on to double up over 1200m, but at his next run over 1400m, he went backwards.
Super Line was dropped back to 1200m next time out, but it did not quite work out that way. He did sprint home late to run third to Super Six but the finishing burst was clearly not as effective.
After taking stock of the four runs, Clements decided to go back to basics – short sharp sprints – and picked out Friday’s 1100m dash to test his theory.
Ridden back in midfield by regular partner Vlad Duric, Super Line enjoyed a brisk tempo set by the Desmond Koh pair of Sure Win (Mohd Zaki) and Mastermind (Benny Woodworth) before taking closer order by the home turn. Jobodwana (Michael Rodd) gave his backers plenty to cheer about when he hit the front at the 300m, but Duric had other ideas as he brought Super Line with a well-timed run to get the verdict by a neck.
The Cliff Brown-trained Jobodwana lost no admirers with his second place, two lengths clear of Power Lin (Olivier Placais). The winning time was 1min 5secs for the 1100m on the Polytrack.
With Clements overseas, assistant-trainer Michael White was on hand to lead in Super Line at his third success.
“He looks like the kind of horse crying for 1200m, but I think 1000m-1100m is more his go. He’s a get-back sort and is more effective over the Short Course,” said White.
“We will just take him through his grades but we will stick to those 1000m-1100m races over Polytrack for now and see how he goes before stepping him up next prep maybe.”
Duric echoed the same sentiments as White as he unsaddled his 56th winner for the year, extending his lead in the premiership to sit three wins clear of Manoel Nunes.
“The speed was on and that suited him. I remember they went mad as well at his first run and he came off the speed brilliant,” said the Australian hoop.
“He’s better off ridden quiet on the Short Course, and then let rip in the straight. He’s still immature but he’s a progressive sort and can only get better.
“He should stay with the Polytrack sprints for now. There are plenty of such races for him.”
Raced by the MC Racing Stable, Super Line was registering his third win from five starts for stakes earnings in excess of $110,000.
