Webster
Singapore Turf Club
Promising galloper Webster (NZ) showed a touch of class at his second consecutive win in the $75,000 Novice race over 1200m on Friday night.
After an encouraging debut second in a 1100m race back in May, the Showcasing three-year-old went one better next time out in another Restricted Maiden race over 1200m four weeks later, beating The Odds rather comfortably under Singapore champion jockey Manoel Nunes, though he was not ridden as quietly as intended when he mustered a surprising gate speed upon dispatch.
But his third outing was by far the most impressive. Ridden by Danny Beasley in replacement of the injured Nunes, Webster was able to take a backseat this time instead of rolling forward like at his last outing, allowing leader Bringer Of War (Derreck David) to show the way under her postage-stamp load of 50kgs.
For a second it looked like Mark Walker’s two-year-old filly would prove hard to overhaul, but once Beasley got his mount shift through his gears, the race soon turned into a one-sided affair.
Still looking a little rough around the edges, Webster was, however, the consummate professional as he scooted clear to post an emphatic victory by just under four lengths from Brother Wind (Erasmus Aslam) with Bringer Of War third another neck away. The winning time was 1min 10.08secs for the 1200m on the Long Course.
Meagher admitted to being a little caught by surprise by the ease of the win, but had always had a hunch the Graham Mackie, Trish Dunell and Chris Garnett-owned gelding had above-average potential.
“I didn’t think he would win that easily tonight as he was up against some pretty good horses, and that two-year-old (Bringer Of War) had only 50kgs on her back,” said Meagher.
“But he won impressively. He’s only three-year-old and not the strongest horse, but he’s a genuine horse.
“What is even more pleasing is to see horses like him who came to us looking so light, improve all the time. I will give him a break as I would like to space his runs.
“He’s not a big horse, but I did trial him a lot before his first run. He will get a chance to strengthen up during the break, and it’s good of Graham and Trish to let me do what I want.”
Beasley, who partnered Webster in his early barrier trials but gave way to Nunes at his first two runs, thanked the Kiwi couple for the ride.
“Big thanks to Graham and Trish for the opportunity. I did ride him at his trials and I told Dan he gave me such a good feel then,” said the Australian jockey.
“For him to run second first-up behind that good horse of Michael Clements’ (Chopin’s Fantaisie) shows how good he is.
“I think he’s a horse who’s got a good future here. He’s a real pleasure to ride and he’s so professional. Most importantly, he has good speed and can relax in his runs.”
Mackie and Dunell were not on hand to witness Webster’s second victory, but Garnett was and heaped praise on the New Zealand-bred.
“Very lucky to have such a good horse. I didn’t expect him to do all that so early in his career,” said the Phuket-based Briton.
“The horse has gone from strength to strength, and Danny rode him a treat tonight, sitting behind the lead and biding his time.
“I’m a good friend of Graham’s and long may the partnership continue.”
Webster is a graduate of New Zealand Bloodstocks Ready to Run Sale through the draft of Kilgravin Lodge where he sold for just $27,500. - STC
After an encouraging debut second in a 1100m race back in May, the Showcasing three-year-old went one better next time out in another Restricted Maiden race over 1200m four weeks later, beating The Odds rather comfortably under Singapore champion jockey Manoel Nunes, though he was not ridden as quietly as intended when he mustered a surprising gate speed upon dispatch.
But his third outing was by far the most impressive. Ridden by Danny Beasley in replacement of the injured Nunes, Webster was able to take a backseat this time instead of rolling forward like at his last outing, allowing leader Bringer Of War (Derreck David) to show the way under her postage-stamp load of 50kgs.
For a second it looked like Mark Walker’s two-year-old filly would prove hard to overhaul, but once Beasley got his mount shift through his gears, the race soon turned into a one-sided affair.
Still looking a little rough around the edges, Webster was, however, the consummate professional as he scooted clear to post an emphatic victory by just under four lengths from Brother Wind (Erasmus Aslam) with Bringer Of War third another neck away. The winning time was 1min 10.08secs for the 1200m on the Long Course.
Meagher admitted to being a little caught by surprise by the ease of the win, but had always had a hunch the Graham Mackie, Trish Dunell and Chris Garnett-owned gelding had above-average potential.
“I didn’t think he would win that easily tonight as he was up against some pretty good horses, and that two-year-old (Bringer Of War) had only 50kgs on her back,” said Meagher.
“But he won impressively. He’s only three-year-old and not the strongest horse, but he’s a genuine horse.
“What is even more pleasing is to see horses like him who came to us looking so light, improve all the time. I will give him a break as I would like to space his runs.
“He’s not a big horse, but I did trial him a lot before his first run. He will get a chance to strengthen up during the break, and it’s good of Graham and Trish to let me do what I want.”
Beasley, who partnered Webster in his early barrier trials but gave way to Nunes at his first two runs, thanked the Kiwi couple for the ride.
“Big thanks to Graham and Trish for the opportunity. I did ride him at his trials and I told Dan he gave me such a good feel then,” said the Australian jockey.
“For him to run second first-up behind that good horse of Michael Clements’ (Chopin’s Fantaisie) shows how good he is.
“I think he’s a horse who’s got a good future here. He’s a real pleasure to ride and he’s so professional. Most importantly, he has good speed and can relax in his runs.”
Mackie and Dunell were not on hand to witness Webster’s second victory, but Garnett was and heaped praise on the New Zealand-bred.
“Very lucky to have such a good horse. I didn’t expect him to do all that so early in his career,” said the Phuket-based Briton.
“The horse has gone from strength to strength, and Danny rode him a treat tonight, sitting behind the lead and biding his time.
“I’m a good friend of Graham’s and long may the partnership continue.”
Webster is a graduate of New Zealand Bloodstocks Ready to Run Sale through the draft of Kilgravin Lodge where he sold for just $27,500. - STC