A clear pointer as to who takes over the reins of trainer Cliff Brown's dynamite three-year-old Fitzroy (NZ) (Swiss Ace) emerged at Tuesday's barrier trials when jockey John Powell was seen sitting atop.
Unlucky at his second run when he blew his start and still ran fourth, the son of Swiss Ace made up for it next time out, streeting his rivals by nine lengths under new partner Vlad Duric.
Such a donkey-licking could only point towards the second Leg of the Singapore Three-Year-Old Challenge, the Group 2 Singapore Three-Year-Old Classic (1400m) on April 24, but with Duric sticking with Laurie Laxon's undefeated Mr Scorsese (NZ) (Pentire) (two from two), Brown had to go flipping the jockey's directory.
He didn't have to search long and hard, though. Many jockeys would throw their hats in the ring for a horse who many think wouldn't be too far behind Magnum (NZ) (Per Incanto), the benchmark for 3YO's this year.
"Vlad dumped me. He's also dropped Debt Collector but luckily he's still on Zac Spirit – so far," he joked in mock disgust over his fellow Victorian.
"But seriously, Vlad can't ride them all and I'm glad I got JP who is also a great rider. He rode Fitzroy in a barrier trial this morning, and I'm sure they will go well together."
The heavyweight jockey, who has been in sizzling form since coming back from a knee injury last week (three winners in two days), grabbed the ride with both hands when Brown rang him.
"Thanks to Cliffy for giving me the ride - and such a good one, too," said the Australian hoop.
"He ran a very nice trial this morning. I watched his race replay when Vlad rode him and he did the same thing today.
"He lost himself at the 600m, was stargazing a little, but when another horse got at him at the 500m, he got going again."
If greenness was still an issue, from the way Fitzroy eventually cleared out for a five-and-a-quarter length win on Tuesday, albeit against moderate opposition, he could be up for a promising career if he realises his true potential.
One good guide of what is really under the bonnet is the tough test awaiting him in two weeks' time.
"It's a big jump ahead of him. From Restricted Maiden company, he's suddenly running in a Group 2 race," said Brown.
"How much ability he's got is the question mark, and the second Leg will give us the answers." -STC
Unlucky at his second run when he blew his start and still ran fourth, the son of Swiss Ace made up for it next time out, streeting his rivals by nine lengths under new partner Vlad Duric.
Such a donkey-licking could only point towards the second Leg of the Singapore Three-Year-Old Challenge, the Group 2 Singapore Three-Year-Old Classic (1400m) on April 24, but with Duric sticking with Laurie Laxon's undefeated Mr Scorsese (NZ) (Pentire) (two from two), Brown had to go flipping the jockey's directory.
He didn't have to search long and hard, though. Many jockeys would throw their hats in the ring for a horse who many think wouldn't be too far behind Magnum (NZ) (Per Incanto), the benchmark for 3YO's this year.
"Vlad dumped me. He's also dropped Debt Collector but luckily he's still on Zac Spirit – so far," he joked in mock disgust over his fellow Victorian.
"But seriously, Vlad can't ride them all and I'm glad I got JP who is also a great rider. He rode Fitzroy in a barrier trial this morning, and I'm sure they will go well together."
The heavyweight jockey, who has been in sizzling form since coming back from a knee injury last week (three winners in two days), grabbed the ride with both hands when Brown rang him.
"Thanks to Cliffy for giving me the ride - and such a good one, too," said the Australian hoop.
"He ran a very nice trial this morning. I watched his race replay when Vlad rode him and he did the same thing today.
"He lost himself at the 600m, was stargazing a little, but when another horse got at him at the 500m, he got going again."
If greenness was still an issue, from the way Fitzroy eventually cleared out for a five-and-a-quarter length win on Tuesday, albeit against moderate opposition, he could be up for a promising career if he realises his true potential.
One good guide of what is really under the bonnet is the tough test awaiting him in two weeks' time.
"It's a big jump ahead of him. From Restricted Maiden company, he's suddenly running in a Group 2 race," said Brown.
"How much ability he's got is the question mark, and the second Leg will give us the answers." -STC