3 minute read
Debt Collector’s long list of achievements just got a bit longer on Thursday when he did something he had never done before – win a barrier trial.
The 2016 Singapore Horse of the Year and five-time Group 1 winner typically dawdles at the back, be it in a trial or a race.
On raceday, when he starts a run from the 600m, he is lethal, having rounded them all up 10 times in 21 starts, the latest coming at his last start in his usual breathtaking fashion in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (1800m) on October 21.
Not quite the same story in a trial. If he does run on, he will pass a few but not all.
At Thursday’s 1000m hitout, the son of Thorn Park certainly had his racing mood lights switched on when he came from last to account for all his seven opponents that included Group winners Countofmontecristo, Circuit Land, Preditor and Alibi.
With regular partner Michael Rodd aboard, Debt Collector dropped to last early, plotting a wide path throughout, before letting down with his electric turn of foot to beat leader Mighty Kenny (Callan Murray) by half-a-length with Nimble (John Sundradas) third another neck away.
Trainer Cliff Brown said he still thought there was room for improvement from the six-year-old, but a comeback race in the Class 1 race over 1400m on March 10 should add in a few more finishing touches.
“He’s fine, but I would say he’s not as forward as he was in the past first-up,” said the Australian handler.
“He’s not as fit, but I’m still happy where he is at for his comeback race in the Class 1 race over 1400m next Sunday.
“It’s totally different when it’s a handicap race where he would give weight all round. You wouldn’t want a gut-buster in such a race.”
Two years ago, Debt Collector was getting all prepped up for the Meydan raid in the Group 1 Dubai Turf (1800m), a race in which he ran unplaced in to Japanese raider Vivlos. Brown has since decided not to go overseas with the Barree Racing Stable-owned pride and joy.
“Debt Collector is racing here and we’ll set him for the usual big races,” said Brown.
“While he may not be 100%, I’m all happy with the way he trialled today. It was a good blow.”
Rodd, who has only been out of his saddle only three times (including one win with Vlad Duric), said the horse has thrived since his last run but there was still a bit of margin for further headway.
“There is nothing more I can add to him. You can just cut and paste whatever has been said about him,” said the Australian jockey.
“In all seriousness, he’s really good, even if he can still improve before the 1400m race comes up. The 1400m is as good a race as you will ever get for him first-up.
“This morning, we took it easy in the early part of the barrier trial, but he did a little more towards the end.”
