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David Kok’s feature winner Well Done has moved stables, with the first race he will contest under the name of his new trainer Shane Baertschiger being the inaugural S$1.5 million Kranji Mile (1600m) on May 26.
The Falkirk six-year-old stamped himself as unequivocally the best horse Kok ever trained with wins recorded in the Emirates Singapore Derby (2000m) and the Patron’s Bowl (1600m) in 2016 as the highlights.
A winner of seven races all-up and more than S$1.3 million in stakes earnings, Well Done has, however, not won for close to two years – since the Derby triumph in July 2016 when ridden by Michael Rodd, plagued thereafter by knee chip and suspensory issues.
It is owner Jason Goh who decided that his flashy chestnut with the white blaze needed a change of scenery. He also took Kok’s other Group winner, the New Year Cup (1200m) winner Speedy Dragon to Baertschiger.
“Well Done has not won since the Derby. I wanted a change of luck for him,” said Goh.
“I like to look at different training styles and maybe that can help him. Speedy Dragon went to Shane as well.”
Kok would not comment on the transfer, just wishing Goh good luck with the two horses.
The in-form Baertschiger, who went on top of the premiership on 25 winners on Sunday, said Well Done came to his yard in good shape.
“Well Done came in good order. David’s done a great job with him and I will just have to keep his preparation going for the Kranji Mile,” said the Australian handler.
“Glen Boss rode him at his last start and will ride him in the Kranji Mile, while John Powell will ride Preditor.”
A recent solid fourth to Circuit Land – just one length ahead of Well Done, now his stablemate - in the Chairman’s Trophy (1600m), Preditor, a five-year-old entire by Savabeel has all along been Baertschiger’s leading hope for the revamped Kranji Mile.
On that night, Baertschiger will also saddle horses in the support races, the S$1 million Lion City Cup (1200m) with Aramco and Paparazzi and the S$1 million Singapore Guineas (1600m) with Be Bee.
Baertschiger is keeping Powell on Aramco and Be Bee while for Paparazzi, he has pounced on the opportunity of using visiting Hong Kong-based Australian top hoop Zac Purton who will fly in to ride Hong Kong raider Southern Legend in the Kranji Mile. -STC