Trainer Tan Hor Khoon is hoping debut winner Awesome (NZ) (Showcasing) can again live up to his punchy name in this Sunday's $60,000 Class 4 race over 1100m.
The three-year-old by emerging New Zealand sire Showcasing scored a smart win in an Initiation race over 1200m at his first outing on February 14. Well ridden by Benny Woodworth, the gelding sat outside the leader for most of the way, but still had plenty left in the tank when he charged home for a half-length victory from Fitzroy.
Tan said the ATL Stable-owned Awesome has pulled up in good order after that first run and a repeat feat would not surprise him second-up.
"He pulled up very well after that run. He's not a big horse and has trained on well," said the Singaporean handler.
"I think he can win again. If he runs up to his debut form, there is no reason why he can't."
That Awesome win seems to be serving as a blueprint for another ATL Stable debutant, Amazing Man (NZ) (Keeper). Tan is electing for the same Initiation path by entering the Keeper three-year-old in the $65,000 Initiation race over 1200m on the same day.
But Tan was not so sure if the outcome would be as "Awesome" this time around, even if Amazing Man won a barrier trial last Tuesday.
"He's still not fully mature, and he showed it during his barrier trials. He did win a barrier trial last week, and fingers crossed, he goes all right on raceday," said Tan.
With four winners to-date this campaign, Tan, who bagged 22 wins in 2015, is more than happy with the way things are going this year. He also saddles two other decent chances in Castle Queen (NZ) (Thewayyouare) in the $60,000 Class 4 race over 1200m on Friday and Pure Tactics in the $60,000 Class 4 race over 1100m on Sunday.
"The horses are running well. We have some new horses and owners on board and let's hope we can keep it up," he said. -STC
The three-year-old by emerging New Zealand sire Showcasing scored a smart win in an Initiation race over 1200m at his first outing on February 14. Well ridden by Benny Woodworth, the gelding sat outside the leader for most of the way, but still had plenty left in the tank when he charged home for a half-length victory from Fitzroy.
Tan said the ATL Stable-owned Awesome has pulled up in good order after that first run and a repeat feat would not surprise him second-up.
"He pulled up very well after that run. He's not a big horse and has trained on well," said the Singaporean handler.
"I think he can win again. If he runs up to his debut form, there is no reason why he can't."
That Awesome win seems to be serving as a blueprint for another ATL Stable debutant, Amazing Man (NZ) (Keeper). Tan is electing for the same Initiation path by entering the Keeper three-year-old in the $65,000 Initiation race over 1200m on the same day.
But Tan was not so sure if the outcome would be as "Awesome" this time around, even if Amazing Man won a barrier trial last Tuesday.
"He's still not fully mature, and he showed it during his barrier trials. He did win a barrier trial last week, and fingers crossed, he goes all right on raceday," said Tan.
With four winners to-date this campaign, Tan, who bagged 22 wins in 2015, is more than happy with the way things are going this year. He also saddles two other decent chances in Castle Queen (NZ) (Thewayyouare) in the $60,000 Class 4 race over 1200m on Friday and Pure Tactics in the $60,000 Class 4 race over 1100m on Sunday.
"The horses are running well. We have some new horses and owners on board and let's hope we can keep it up," he said. -STC