Jockey Michael Rodd warmed up the saddle for fellow Australian rider Vlad Duric aboard Saas Fee Stakes contender Alibi in a barrier trial on Tuesday morning, jumping off with a glowing report for assistant-trainer Michael White.
With Duric back in Melbourne for a quick getaway, Rodd was more than happy to fill in for the current Singapore jockey's premiership leader aboard the talented Darci Brahma entire, who was being blinkered for the first time.
Taking a trail off an even tempo, the four-time winner finished off with his customary burst when tested at the 300m to win the trial from the unraced Mark Walker, Jacks Secret (Shafiq Rizuan).
"It was a blinker test for him today and he passed it very well," said Rodd.
"I'm just doing Vlad a favour as he's gone for a quick trip back home and couldn't make it this morning.
"It was a sit-and-steer job and he ran home beautifully. He's all class and all you need to do is let him do his own things."
With trainer Michael Clements currently overseas, White was the one echoing the yard's satisfaction after the hitout.
"Very happy with this trial, especially with the blinkers on for the first time,' said the former Perth-based horseman.
"As he is going for the bigger races soon, we're leaving nothing to chance and we've decided to fit the blinkers on him.
"He's a real genuine horse and Michael said he felt super out there. His next race will be the Saas Fee Stakes."
The Group 3 feature over 1400m will be run on Sunday week on October 16.
Meanwhile, Rodd also took the ride aboard Clements' Australian import L'Apprenti Sorcier (x Iffraaj) in the next barrier trial, and was again first past the post.
White said L'Apprenti Sorcier, who has just the one run at Kranji under the belt when fifth to The General in a BM89 race over 1200m, has not been the soundest customer in his yard but they remained hopeful they can still bring out the best from the Sydney five-time winner formerly known as Church Boy.
"He's a horse who's definitely got ability, but he's always had issues since he came to us more than a year ago," said White.
"He's the kind of horse who's here now, gone tomorrow. It's just wear and tear issues and hopefully, we can get him back to the races. It was a pretty good trial today.
"He's the sort of horse you can't rush and is just a day-to-day proposition. We will trial him again, and hopefully, we'll find a race for him soon." -STC
With Duric back in Melbourne for a quick getaway, Rodd was more than happy to fill in for the current Singapore jockey's premiership leader aboard the talented Darci Brahma entire, who was being blinkered for the first time.
Taking a trail off an even tempo, the four-time winner finished off with his customary burst when tested at the 300m to win the trial from the unraced Mark Walker, Jacks Secret (Shafiq Rizuan).
"It was a blinker test for him today and he passed it very well," said Rodd.
"I'm just doing Vlad a favour as he's gone for a quick trip back home and couldn't make it this morning.
"It was a sit-and-steer job and he ran home beautifully. He's all class and all you need to do is let him do his own things."
With trainer Michael Clements currently overseas, White was the one echoing the yard's satisfaction after the hitout.
"Very happy with this trial, especially with the blinkers on for the first time,' said the former Perth-based horseman.
"As he is going for the bigger races soon, we're leaving nothing to chance and we've decided to fit the blinkers on him.
"He's a real genuine horse and Michael said he felt super out there. His next race will be the Saas Fee Stakes."
The Group 3 feature over 1400m will be run on Sunday week on October 16.
Meanwhile, Rodd also took the ride aboard Clements' Australian import L'Apprenti Sorcier (x Iffraaj) in the next barrier trial, and was again first past the post.
White said L'Apprenti Sorcier, who has just the one run at Kranji under the belt when fifth to The General in a BM89 race over 1200m, has not been the soundest customer in his yard but they remained hopeful they can still bring out the best from the Sydney five-time winner formerly known as Church Boy.
"He's a horse who's definitely got ability, but he's always had issues since he came to us more than a year ago," said White.
"He's the kind of horse who's here now, gone tomorrow. It's just wear and tear issues and hopefully, we can get him back to the races. It was a pretty good trial today.
"He's the sort of horse you can't rush and is just a day-to-day proposition. We will trial him again, and hopefully, we'll find a race for him soon." -STC