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Once touted as one of the more forward two-year-olds of his batch this year, Ace King never got a chance to prove the hype after he was held back by an untimely injury, but the wait is nearing its end.
Now three, a fully-recovered Ace King stepped out for his first barrier trial since he did his off-fore tendon in a barrier trial in April, only a few days shy of his intended debut in the first Leg of the Singapore Golden Horseshoe series, the Kranji Nursery Stakes over 1000m.
It was not a major injury, but it was still a big blow to trainer Theo Kieser and his owners, the Titanium Racing Stable, especially as pre-race talks had the son of Swiss Ace as the early favourite.
They had no other choice but to hang fire, but their patience was in the end rewarded after they were able to nurse Ace King back to full fitness. That first test on Tuesday was an encouraging first step, but Kieser is not one to take shortcuts.
“Today was his first trial. He will need another trial, he really needed the run today,” said the South African handler.
“He was blowing quite a bit after he pulled up. He’s obviously not 100% fit but it should improve with another trial.
“That’s why I told (Antonio) da Silva to give him a smooth trial today. He did a good job to run second.”
Ace King showed good velocity to take up the running, but the Brazilian rider had him travelling on a piece of cotton three lanes off the rails for most of the way. He suddenly lugged in shortly after cornering, but he was quickly pulled back out to the middle before coasting to the line untested as Siam Gemstone got his measure late, but ridden out by Corey Brown.
Da Silva, who returns from suspension for careless riding this Sunday, was very happy with Ace King’s barrier trial. Though he does not speak much English, his wide smile told the story.
“He’s a very nice horse. He has good speed and I never forced him,” said da Silva.
In the next trial, Kieser sent out another new acquisition from the Titanium Racing Stable, Redoubt, who had senior track rider Gilmar Pereira up. The son of Not A Single Doubt showed early speed as he darted through to sit handy between runners, but he then weakened late to finish third to Major Tom (Shafiq Rizuan), more than four lengths astern.
“Redoubt was also at his first trial after a long time,” said Kieser.
“He got very tired in the end. Hopefully, just like for Ace King, I can give him another trial in two weeks’ time.”