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Punters got back on track when consistent performer Feisty Leo took out the $75,000 Lim’s Objective 2007 Stakes over 1400m on Sunday.
Photo by Singapore Turf Club
After the victory of $170 chance Othello in the previous race – the Lim’s Classic 2006 Stakes – punters were cheering the $20 popular elect home.
Providing champion jockey Joao Moreira with the second leg of a winning double, Feisty Leo scored by a length from Tom (John Powell) with Natural Nice (Ivaldo Santana) a head away third.
The victory was Feisty Leo’s fourth in a row and his third since coming down from Malaysia and joining the stable of Mark Walker.
Moreira had Feisty Leo tracking the speed in fifth position in the early stages. Royce (Tengku Rehaizat) led the way from Totality (Shafiq Rizuan) and Man Of Substance (Greg Cheyne).
Royce, Totality and Man Of Substance were all soon under pressure and Running Tall (Barend Vorster) quickly took over before Feisty Leo collared him passing the 200m.
Stablemates Tom and Natural Nice, from the Laurie Laxon yard, tried valiantly but to no avail as Feisty Leo responded gamely to Moreira’s urgings.
Walker said he was unsure in what direction he would head with Feisty Leo and would speak with connections before making a decision.
“I think the owner wants to take him back over the Causeway and run him in the Magic Millions race in December,” said Walker.
“I’ve got to speak to the owner about that but he’s a horse that is putting it altogether now and he raced a lot handier today as well.
“He’s versatile as well as he showed he can win on both the wet and the dry ground.
“He’s certainly done nothing wrong so far and I think he’ll get up to a mile or even 2000m.”
Moreira has ridden Feisty Leo to victory at his past two starts and believes there is still more improvement to come from the gelding.
“He’s done pretty well done here so far,” said Moreira who landed his 176th winner for the season.
“I think he’s got a bright future and he’ll be even better off over a bit more ground.”
A four-year-old Australian-bred by Blackfriars from the Royal Academy mare Speed School, Feisty Leo was an A$26,000 yearling purchase. He has now won five of his eight career starts with a further two minor placings and took his prizemoney past the $200,000 mark for owner Chong Linda Joyce.