3 minute read
After Raise No Doubt scored for the Maple Leaf Stable, trainer Stephen Gray and jockey Vlad Duric last Sunday, the combination kept up their winning streak with debutant Reddot Rising on Friday night.
A three-year-old by Nadeem, Reddot Rising is one from a bunch of new acquisitions Maple Leaf’s Mr George Tay has recently bought to beef up his string which up until then had been all about Raise No Doubt and old stalwart Maple Star, now a rising 10.
Injecting new blood is always a boost to any stable, but the real catalyst is still a win, and Reddot Rising ($36) certainly got off to a flying start, though he had to survive an objection from the runner-up Athena in the $75,000 Restricted Maiden race over 1200m.
After trucking up behind the lead in third, Reddot Rising set sail for home as he easily swept past Amazing Man (Benny Woodworth) and Waipakihi (Corey Brown), but an imminent danger was lurking with Cliff Brown’s two-year-old Athena (Derreck David) vying for a run between Waipakihi and Reddot Rising.
A bit of bumping and brushing occurred between Reddot Rising and Athena, but the former held his line and his bold challenger had to settle for second place a neck away. David objected as he felt the alleged interference cost him the win, but the result stood after the protest hearing.
Gray said Reddot Rising had not reached his full potential yet.
“He’s a nice horse. I haven’t really pushed him at his trials, but Vlad did tell me he felt more like a 1400m horse,” said the Kiwi handler.
“They went quick for him and that suited him. To me, he held a straight line and the Stewards made the right decision.
“It’s good for George as he’s bought a few new horses, some from England, and they all look nice. My bloodstock agent Garry Carvell bought this one out of the trials in New Zealand.”
Duric said he had no doubt he would keep the race after the objection sign was flashed.
“He’s a lovely horse. I’ve trialled him and he gave me a good feel,” said the in-form rider who was recently renewed for another three months.
“But when I saw Cliffy’s filly in the parade ring, she looked so beautiful and I knew she would be the one to beat, and true enough the challenge came from her.
“The horses rolled around a little and my horse laid in a touch, but Corey’s horse also laid out.
“I think he’ll become a nice middle-distance type of horse. I’m not sure what Stephen’s plans with him are, but if he keeps improving, he could go for the 3YO series, maybe the Guineas.”
The Group 1 Singapore Guineas (1600m) is the third Leg of the Singapore Three-Year-Old Challenge which kicks off with the Group 3 Dester Singapore Three-Year-Old Sprint (1200m) on March 27.
