Logan clinches first local Group win as Minister lays down the law in Kranji Mile
A multiple-Group 1 winning trainer in her native New Zealand and Australia, Donna Logan enjoyed her biggest success at her new Singapore base when Minister (Street Sense) came with a well-timed run under A’Isisuhairi ‘Harry’ Kasim to land yesterday’s Kranji Mile (Listed, 1600m) by a head.
“With Minister, I had a hunger to prove something. I wanted this win more than anything,” said Logan.
“I’ve heard people saying I couldn’t train because I was a woman and all that, but the truth of the matter is a good trainer needs to have good animals to train. If they don’t have the stock, they won’t set the world on fire.”
While her trophy cabinet is already replete with marquee wins, Logan said the Kranji Mile will always hold a special place in her heart.
“Like I said, I was very hungry for that win, but this win also ranks high with the other big wins because it’s been a long time coming,” she said.
Logan, however, would not take all the credit for that new milestone. She was effusive of the contribution brought by A’Isisuhairi.
“He got the horse concentrating in his work. The horse was a transformed horse and we saw that in the birdcage today.
“I discussed with Harry and I told him I didn’t want him to be in a speed duel, get cover at the back instead and hopefully, he’ll show a turn of foot.
“I didn’t expect him to be as far back to be honest, but Harry was super patient and rode him an absolute treat. He was very emotional after the win and he told me he was going to cry!”
Kharisma franks luckless Lion City Cup run with another win
Promising sprinter Kharisma (Mossman) bounced back from his luckless defeat in the Lion City Cup (Listed, 1200m) with a resounding win in the Better Life 2012 Stakes, (Kranji Stakes A, 1200m).
Well handled by Wong Chin Chuen, the four-year-old was never in doubt once he came off his handy spot on the outside of Makkem Lad (Kuroshio) before going on to score with half-a-length to spare.
Winning trainer Stephen Gray said it was not the plan to run his brilliant sprinter in the race, but thought it would suit him down to the ground.
“I thought he ran very well in the Lion City Cup considering he lost his front shoe and was caught wide throughout,” said the Kiwi handler.
“With a better draw, he could have done better, but his run was still very good at weight-for-age.
“I looked around for a race for him. I didn’t want to run him in that race at first, but there weren’t many options.
“He’s such an improved horse and from the way he did it in the Lion City Cup, he was going the right way. I gave him a freshen and a few gallops, I was very happy with him.
Gray went on to bring up a race-to-race double with $52 chance Our Pinnacle (Pins) in the Better Than Ever 2010 & 2011 Stakes (1400m).
“That was a real feelgood win. It made his new owners feel good for sure,” said Gray.
“After he had a bleeding attack, his owner gave up on him, but I was not going to get rid of him. I took over him with a group of new people and I myself have a one-third share in him.
“They must be excited though they can’t be here at the races. Most of them are here, but there are some who are overseas.
“He was about to be deleted, but I thought he was too nice a horse. We got into a horse for nothing and today he’s given us the biggest thrill.”
Tough ascent for Lim’s Kosciuszko at third win in a row
It was probably more tradesmanlike than anticipated, but hot favourite Lim’s Kosciuszko (Kermadec) still kept his unbeaten record intact with a third consecutive win in as many starts.
Graduating to open company after two wins in restricted maiden and novice company, the three-year-old was widely expected to score again nonetheless, as reflected by his ultra-short odds of $6, but Hotshots Slam (Swiss Ace) certainly gave his backers and trainer Daniel Meagher a few jittery moments inside the last furlong.
Meagher conceded the half-length win might not have been as dominant as envisaged, but the handler said it was still full of merit considering Lim’s Kosciuszko was still in the early stages of his craft as a racehorse.
“I know he beat an average field today, but he still ran good time,” he said.
“He beat seasoned good older horses for the first time, which is never easy to do for a three-year-old.
“It’s only after he takes a break after the 3YO races that he will get a chance to grow and develop further. He will next run in that Singapore Three-Year-Old Sprint (1200m) on June 27.
“I still think he’s got further improvement in him. Today’s win might not have looked pretty, but it was still a good effort.
“Don’t forget he had an economical run at his first two runs and he then got going. Today he sat off the leader to improve past him in the straight, but Danny told me he was having a good look, and when he asked him to quicken, he had another look.
“He had a good blow, he’s still learning.”
More than one way to skin a Cat
Champion trainer Michael Clements pulled off the feat of turning stable transfer Tom Cat (Wandjna) out for a win at his very first run under his helm.
“It was his first run on turf and 1200 metres. All his previous starts had been over 1000 metres to 1100 metres on Polytrack,” said Clements.
“This horse has done well since he’s come to us. His track gallops were very pleasing, but it remained to be seen how he would go on turf over 1200 metres.
“With that win, it’s clear he can race on either surface and I think I will keep him running up to 1200 metres max.”