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Trainer Cliff Brown is heading into the unknown on Sunday when his galloper Samurai Phoenix lines-up in the $150,000 Causeway Classic Stakes over 1800m on the Polytrack.
Photo by Singapore Turf Club
Samurai Phoenix returned to winning form on July 29 over 1600m, his first victory since April 2010, under the jockeyship of Saimee Jumaat.
But with the postage stamp weight of 49kg on Sunday, John Sundradas takes over the reins in a race that will see him get 10.5kg off the topweight and Group 1 winner Risky Business.
Samurai Phoenix was a one-time top fancy for the 2010 Group 1 Emirates Singapore Derby but finished down the track in the race when prepared by John O'Hara.
After winning three of his first seven starts, Samurai Phoenix left Brown's yard, only to return after three unplaced performances.
After finishing third on a wet track when resuming for Brown, Samurai Phoenix's form again disappointed and after another four runs the gelding underwent throat surgery.
The surgery was a success with the gelding resuming with a good fifth over an unsuitable 1200m journey on June 26 before rattling home for third behind Collect The Cash over 1400m on July 17 and then returning to the winner's circle almost a fortnight later.
Brown was delighted to have his one-time star back in a winning frame of mind but admits it won't be an easy task taking on the likes of Risky Business, Drovetti, Parfumier, South Easter and the likes on Sunday.
“He went for throat surgery at the end of his last campaign in February and he's come back in great order,” said Brown.
“He's only had a few runs and they have all been good. It was especially pleasing to see him back winning last time.
“You just never know how they will come back after throat surgery, but this looks like it was a success and hopefully there are a few more wins in store for him yet.
“He's fit and well, he's worked well since his win, now it's just a matter of whether he can measure up.”
Following his success on July 29, the Singapore Turf Club Handicappers pushed Samurai Phoenix up to a rating of 73 points, just one point short of his career high which came after his third victory.
While winless at a distance beyond 1600m – at which he has been successful twice – his other two wins coming at 1400m – Brown has no doubts the gelding will handle the 1800m of Sunday's mini-feature.
“The 1800m won't be any problem at all,” said Brown.
“His racing pattern suggests he will get it. He's such a relaxed galloper and he's really strong at the end of his races.
“My biggest concern is the Polytrack. All his wins to date have been on the turf, but he works and trials well on the Polytrack so hopefully he'll handle it under race conditions.”
In fact Samurai Phoenix in 17 starts in Singapore, that has netted him four wins and four minor placngs and almost $200,000 in prizemoney for the Storm Stable, is yet to face the starter on the Polytrack under race conditions.