Alibi
Singapore Turf Club
Trainer Michael Clements was having a good day at the office on Sunday when he saddled a second winner in Alibi, whom he described as "classy" in the post-race debrief.
The Darci Brahma three-year-old was coming back from a seven-week freshen-up and certainly slotted right back into the groove in the $75,000 Graduation race over 1200m, where he was up against some smart sorts like favourite Conilad and consistent filly Star Genius.
Normally close to the speed, Alibi ($17) was a lot further back than usual, but when regular partner Vlad Duric peeled him to the outside upon straightening, he started to unwind with plenty of purpose before hitting the front at the 200m.
With Conilad (Glen Boss) making heavy weather of it after he endured a torrid trip, overracing a touch and getting bumped a few times, the coast looked clear for Alibi, but Star Genius (Manoel Nunes), who was beaten by a short head by Alibi two runs back, was still in with a chance of turning the tables.
But Alibi never faltered, rallying gamely under Duric's persuasion to again come out tops over Star Genius, with the margin being a head this time. Conilad hung on for third another 1 ¾ lengths away, but was overall a bit of a letdown to his backers and connections.
"He's a pretty smart horse and I think he wants seven furlongs and above," said Clements of Alibi.
"We wanted to ride him quiet today so he can finish off as the 1200m was on the short side, but I think it's his class that saw him through.
"Vlad rode him very well. There were a few anxious moments when he tried to weave him through the field, but again it's his class that got him home.
"I will look for a 1400m race for him next."
Duric was even more far-sighted in his assessment of the Alibi Stable-owned colt.
"This horse has always shown above average ability. He showed a few wobbles at his last race, but these things will iron out with more racing," said the Australian jockey.
"Mike has done a good job to freshen him up after his last race. From barrier 5, I wanted to ride him further back just to educate him a bit.
"I think he'll be a better horse as a four-year-old next year. This is just a stepping stone for him towards better things."
With a record that already reads three wins, one second in four starts and more than $130,000 in stakes money, Alibi looks to be heading that way for his lucky connections. He was a $90,000 purchase by Clements at the 2014 Ready to Run Sale from the draft of Esker Lodge.
The Darci Brahma three-year-old was coming back from a seven-week freshen-up and certainly slotted right back into the groove in the $75,000 Graduation race over 1200m, where he was up against some smart sorts like favourite Conilad and consistent filly Star Genius.
Normally close to the speed, Alibi ($17) was a lot further back than usual, but when regular partner Vlad Duric peeled him to the outside upon straightening, he started to unwind with plenty of purpose before hitting the front at the 200m.
With Conilad (Glen Boss) making heavy weather of it after he endured a torrid trip, overracing a touch and getting bumped a few times, the coast looked clear for Alibi, but Star Genius (Manoel Nunes), who was beaten by a short head by Alibi two runs back, was still in with a chance of turning the tables.
But Alibi never faltered, rallying gamely under Duric's persuasion to again come out tops over Star Genius, with the margin being a head this time. Conilad hung on for third another 1 ¾ lengths away, but was overall a bit of a letdown to his backers and connections.
"He's a pretty smart horse and I think he wants seven furlongs and above," said Clements of Alibi.
"We wanted to ride him quiet today so he can finish off as the 1200m was on the short side, but I think it's his class that saw him through.
"Vlad rode him very well. There were a few anxious moments when he tried to weave him through the field, but again it's his class that got him home.
"I will look for a 1400m race for him next."
Duric was even more far-sighted in his assessment of the Alibi Stable-owned colt.
"This horse has always shown above average ability. He showed a few wobbles at his last race, but these things will iron out with more racing," said the Australian jockey.
"Mike has done a good job to freshen him up after his last race. From barrier 5, I wanted to ride him further back just to educate him a bit.
"I think he'll be a better horse as a four-year-old next year. This is just a stepping stone for him towards better things."
With a record that already reads three wins, one second in four starts and more than $130,000 in stakes money, Alibi looks to be heading that way for his lucky connections. He was a $90,000 purchase by Clements at the 2014 Ready to Run Sale from the draft of Esker Lodge.