Kiwi Leo romps away to an easy win
Singapore Turf Club
Trainer James Peters continued his rich vein form with a new resident of his, Kiwi Leo, charging away to an impressive win on Friday.
First-up for the Englishman after having had only one start for trainer Bruce Marsh in November, the New Zealand-bred by Captain Rio with Corey Brown up, produced an electric turn of foot from the 300m to leave his 11 rivals stranded, with the exception of stablemate Acipenser (Olivier Placais), who ran on late for second another 1 ½ lengths away.
The winning time was 1min 13.19secs for the 1200m on the Polytrack.
Peters said patience was the key to Kiwi Leo showing his true worth at his second outing, and paid tribute to his Thai owners Pupetch Racing.
"When he came to us, we gave him all the time he needed to get over some issues he had," said Peters.
"I thank the owners who have been very patient with this horse. To win first-up tonight in front of them was really great.
Peters said it would be too premature to make any long-term plans for Kiwi Leo given he had just bounced back to race fitness.
"As long as he pulls up sound, that was what mattered tonight," said Peters.
"He seems to enjoy the Poly and I will probably look for a similar race for him next. We'll just have to take it one step at a time."
Brown, who has been riding Kiwi Leo at his recent barrier trials (two seconds in June), said his strengths would be more as a "bunny chaser" in the future.
"I know this horse had a few problems, but I went in not worried about anything, just ride my own race and he went super," said the Australian who was at a riding double having greeted the judge earlier with Eclair Flash.
"I reckon he's a horse who will be better off chasing a bunny. Like he would pin his ears back and run after the leader." - STC
First-up for the Englishman after having had only one start for trainer Bruce Marsh in November, the New Zealand-bred by Captain Rio with Corey Brown up, produced an electric turn of foot from the 300m to leave his 11 rivals stranded, with the exception of stablemate Acipenser (Olivier Placais), who ran on late for second another 1 ½ lengths away.
The winning time was 1min 13.19secs for the 1200m on the Polytrack.
Peters said patience was the key to Kiwi Leo showing his true worth at his second outing, and paid tribute to his Thai owners Pupetch Racing.
"When he came to us, we gave him all the time he needed to get over some issues he had," said Peters.
"I thank the owners who have been very patient with this horse. To win first-up tonight in front of them was really great.
Peters said it would be too premature to make any long-term plans for Kiwi Leo given he had just bounced back to race fitness.
"As long as he pulls up sound, that was what mattered tonight," said Peters.
"He seems to enjoy the Poly and I will probably look for a similar race for him next. We'll just have to take it one step at a time."
Brown, who has been riding Kiwi Leo at his recent barrier trials (two seconds in June), said his strengths would be more as a "bunny chaser" in the future.
"I know this horse had a few problems, but I went in not worried about anything, just ride my own race and he went super," said the Australian who was at a riding double having greeted the judge earlier with Eclair Flash.
"I reckon he's a horse who will be better off chasing a bunny. Like he would pin his ears back and run after the leader." - STC