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Trainer Shane Baertschiger pulled off the rare feat of saddling a three-from-three on Friday night.
The in-form handler had only Royal Pavilion and two two-year-old newcomers, No Regrets and Boom Shakalaka racing in Races 1, 2 and 4 respectively from the eight-event programme, and to his and stable fans’ delight, they all duly obliged.
Among the trio, $12 favourite Royal Pavilion (John Powell) in the $30,000 Class 5 race over 1200m was arguably his best chance not to go home empty-handed.
Baertschiger did harbour a silent hope for Boom Shakalaka ($30) in the second division of the split Restricted Maiden races over 1200m, but the surprising win from No Regrets ($103) in the earlier first Division was the icing on the cake he didn’t quite expect. Both youngsters were ridden by lightweight jockey A’Isisuhairi Kasim given their postage stamp loads of 50kgs each.
Winning a race is always a nice feeling as competition is so tough these days, but nothing beats picking up a paycheque for each and every horse you saddle, and the extra bonus for Baertschiger was he got to go home early on a Friday night!
“Boom Shakalaka worked a bit better than No Regrets. He showed a bit more,” said the Australian handler.
“I told Harry if he jumps clear, he will be competitive. He sure gave some sight in the straight.
“He’s not an overly big horse and he actually had his second trial a while ago. We backed him off and it paid dividends.
“I wasn’t as confident with No Regrets. He’s got a high-knee action on the Polytrack, and I thought the grass might level it out.
“I told Harry if he wants to jump, just let him run. He’s a two-year-old and he’s got no weight.
“I’ve got a few two-year-olds. We’ll see how these two come out of tonight’s races and we’ll then see if they run in the 2YO series.”
Baertschiger was referring to the Singapore Golden Horseshoe series which kicks off with the first Leg, the Inglis Ready2Race Sales Stakes (1000m) on May 19 and culminates with the Group 2 Aushorse Golden Horseshoe (1200m) on July 19.
Uncannily, the tactics A’Isisuhairi utilised on both juveniles were carbon-copies of each other – bounce out to the front, hold the rails, and pinch a break at the top of the straight.
A son of Showcasing, No Regrets made up for his lack of experience with his raw ability. The Auric Stable-owned chestnut looked to have the race all stitched up when he opened up at the 300m, especially as he had only 50kgs on his back.
But he did shorten up late. On Line (Vlad Duric) and Golden Dash (Juan Paul van der Merwe) came motoring home, but they had to settle for second and third place, one quarter length away and another 1 ¾ lengths away respectively. The winning time was 1min 10.62secs for the 1200m on the Long Course.
It was like deja-vu in the other Restricted Maiden race when Boom Shakalaka darted to the front and went on to establish cheap sectionals from River Treasure (Troy See), except that he was a clearer winner a longer way from home when he went for broke at the 400m
Adipson (Simon Kok Wei Hoong) cut back the margin to 1 ½ lengths in second place with Happy Lucky Star (Vlad Duric) third another 1 ½ lengths away. The winning time was 1min 10.84secs for the 1200m on the Long Course.
A’Isisuhairi said his status as the go-to jockey for featherweight handicaps in the Baertschiger camp has gone up with the recent departure of Barend Vorster from the Kranji riding ranks.
“I had two lightweight rides for Shane and both won. I’m happy Shane also won a three-from-three,” said the Malaysian rider.
“Barend Vorster used to be Shane’s No 1 jockey for lightweight rides, but now that Barend is not around, hopefully, it’s Harry Kasim from now on.”
Baertschiger didn’t need to listen to the plug from the former two-time Singapore champion apprentice jockey to be convinced of his efficiency.
“It’s always a bonus when you can get a lightweight jockey who can ride, and Harry is one of the best,” he said.
