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The addition of blinkers went a long way towards Super Shadow’s return to the winner’s circle on Friday night.
Photo by Singapore Turf Club
The New Zealand-bred three-year-old had shown plenty of promise with two wins from his first three starts at Kranji before losing his way a little at his next run when a plodding sixth to Wilkinson. But he partly restored some gloss to his resume at his next run when a close second to Super Victory in a 1600m race.
Trainer Michael Freedman then gave the Joy N Happiness Stable-owned gelding a short freshen-up before bringing him back in Friday’s $55,000 Class 4 Division 1 race (1200m) on Polytrack, sporting the headgear for the first time.
Tracking up race-leader Media Captain (Steven King ) from the jump all the way until the corner, Super Shadow, who was backed down to solid $9 favouritism, produced a superior turn of foot at the top of the straight to go and greet the judge for his fifth win, opening the door slightly wider to a possible shot at the Singapore Three-Year-Old Challenge.
The prestigious three-race series kicks off with the Group 3 Singapore Three-Year-Old Sprint (1200m) on March 31, followed by the Group 2 Singapore Three-Year-Old Classic (1400m) on April 21 before wrapping up with the final showpiece, the Group 1 Singapore Guineas (1600m) on May 17.
Freedman was evidently rapt with the return to winning ways of his smart galloper, and was leaning more towards the last two Legs should the son of Darci Brahma take that pathway.
“He’s a very nice horse, but he was a little wayward at his first preparation,” said Freedman. “He’s been overracing a bit as we stepped him up in distance.
“Joao told me maybe we should put blinkers on to keep him more focused and it’s paid off tonight.
“He gives me the impression he will be even better over more ground – up to the mile. We’ve got the 3YO series in mind for him, but his programme will be tailored more towards the last two Legs.”
Moreira paid compliments to Freedman for bringing Super Shadow back to his best after his form dipped at one stage.
“He was such a promising horse, but he didn’t quite run up to expectations at some of his recent races,” said the leading jockey who went on to ride a winning double aboard Work Ahead in the last race to bring his score to 25 wins, 12 clear of Manoel Nunes, who drew a blank.
“I think this is not 100% of him yet. With a couple of runs more under the belt, we should see the real deal.
“He’s such a genuine galloper. He puts himself in the right spot and is always very professional.
“I only had to give him a dig in the ribs at the top of the straight, and he gave me a very strong kick all the way to the line.
“Credit to Michael for putting on the blinkers as he was travelling so much better tonight, and I think that was the key to getting the best out of him.”
With that third win, Super Shadow has now brought in another instalment towards recouping his hefty price tag of NZ$320,000 as a yearling , with total earnings just a touch over $110,000.