Champion jockey Manoel Nunes is thankful to connections for giving him another chance to reunite with Titanium (NZ) (Tavistock) on Friday night.
The pairing enjoyed a prolific association at the Michael Freedman charge's early races as a three-year-old more than a year ago, what with two wins and a late-closing second to Absolutely (NZ) (Coats Choice) in the Group 3 Three Rings Trophy (1400m) in February 2015 in four rides.
The Brazilian rider has, however, not jumped on the son of Tavistock since. As Singapore's leading rider in the last few seasons, Nunes is often spoilt for choice, but can't ride them all in one race unless he cuts himself in two or even three.
"I rode Titanium at his first few starts but then other good horses came up. I had to make a choice and went with another," said Nunes.
"For example, I stuck with Jimmy Rea in the Guineas. Then, other horses like Kiwi Karma and Stepitup came along but he's (Titanium) always been a promising horse from Day 1.
"I always believed he needed further and that Open Benchmark 83 race over the mile is perfect for him."
Nunes knows all about the importance of good rides, especially when his bid for a third title has begun in fits and starts this year.
After practically missing the month of February through a six-day suspension, Nunes has bounced back with a healthy haul of winners to currently sit in second spot (18) to Corey Brown (19) on the Singapore jockey's premiership.
He now hopes he can make up for the time he has not partnered Titanium. To him, the Graceland Stable-owned galloper, who scored the last of his five wins in a BM83 race over 1400m in October and just returned from a three-month spell, feels a lot stronger this year.
"I'm so excited to be back on him and here I have to say a big thank you to (assistant-trainer) James (Peters) and the owners for putting me back on him," said Nunes.
"It's nice of them to remember me even after I haven't ridden him for a while now. He's a lot stronger and more mature and he ran super (second) in a trial (January 28) where I rode him just before his first-up run.
"There were a few Pat Shaw horses (Power Play and Elusive Emperor) in that trial, which is always a strong formline. He ran very well and I was looking forward to his race.
"Unfortunately I got suspended shortly after and couldn't ride him at his last run (February 12). It was a very good run considering he drew barrier No 13 and hit the line very well to run third for Harry (A'Isisuhairi Kasim).
"I think James is pushing towards the Derby with him. It's still pretty open as far as Derby rides go for me; I will see how things work out."
-STC
The pairing enjoyed a prolific association at the Michael Freedman charge's early races as a three-year-old more than a year ago, what with two wins and a late-closing second to Absolutely (NZ) (Coats Choice) in the Group 3 Three Rings Trophy (1400m) in February 2015 in four rides.
The Brazilian rider has, however, not jumped on the son of Tavistock since. As Singapore's leading rider in the last few seasons, Nunes is often spoilt for choice, but can't ride them all in one race unless he cuts himself in two or even three.
"I rode Titanium at his first few starts but then other good horses came up. I had to make a choice and went with another," said Nunes.
"For example, I stuck with Jimmy Rea in the Guineas. Then, other horses like Kiwi Karma and Stepitup came along but he's (Titanium) always been a promising horse from Day 1.
"I always believed he needed further and that Open Benchmark 83 race over the mile is perfect for him."
Nunes knows all about the importance of good rides, especially when his bid for a third title has begun in fits and starts this year.
After practically missing the month of February through a six-day suspension, Nunes has bounced back with a healthy haul of winners to currently sit in second spot (18) to Corey Brown (19) on the Singapore jockey's premiership.
He now hopes he can make up for the time he has not partnered Titanium. To him, the Graceland Stable-owned galloper, who scored the last of his five wins in a BM83 race over 1400m in October and just returned from a three-month spell, feels a lot stronger this year.
"I'm so excited to be back on him and here I have to say a big thank you to (assistant-trainer) James (Peters) and the owners for putting me back on him," said Nunes.
"It's nice of them to remember me even after I haven't ridden him for a while now. He's a lot stronger and more mature and he ran super (second) in a trial (January 28) where I rode him just before his first-up run.
"There were a few Pat Shaw horses (Power Play and Elusive Emperor) in that trial, which is always a strong formline. He ran very well and I was looking forward to his race.
"Unfortunately I got suspended shortly after and couldn't ride him at his last run (February 12). It was a very good run considering he drew barrier No 13 and hit the line very well to run third for Harry (A'Isisuhairi Kasim).
"I think James is pushing towards the Derby with him. It's still pretty open as far as Derby rides go for me; I will see how things work out."
-STC