3 minute read
Trainer Shane Baertschiger has enjoyed a good start to his training career with the Singapore Turf Club.
Photo by Singapore Turf Club
The long-time assistant to his father Don, Shane took over when his father stepped down earlier in the year.
The 39 year-old had his first runners in early March – landing a winner at his first meeting when Reddy To Rock was successful on March 2.
Baertschiger has scored a further 41 winners for the season and sits in seventh place on the Trainer’s Premiership, just one win behind last year’s winner Patrick Shaw.
He has a further 91 minor placings to his credit and has a winning strike-rate of almost 11.5%.
With a stable full of horses – around 60 in work – Baertschiger is winding down for the 2012 season but will have nine runners contesting races over the coming weekend.
And he will be looking to add to his tally with some handy types lining-up.
Baertschiger said he didn’t set any targets when he took over from his father but added that he’s extremely happy with the results posted by the stable in 2012.
“I’m over the moon with how the stable has gone this year,” said Baertschiger. “I would have been happy to get between 35 and 40 winners.
“To have 42 winners for the year so far with the chance of hopefully getting a few more, then I’ve got to be happy.
“We’ve got about 60 in work at the moment but we’ve had to move a few on in recent weeks.
“We’ve got 12 new ones arriving in the coming weeks and need the room for them.
“We haven’t got the numbers racing at the moment. Some are out spelling and when the new ones come they will take time to get to the racing stage.
“Still we’ve got a few runners over the weekend that could be good chances.”
Baertschiger pointed to Mr Epic being a good chance getting back onto the Polytrack as is True North despite a wide barrier.
Both gallopers are down to run on Sunday in divisions of the $55,000 Class 4 Stakes over 1200m on the Polytrack.
“Mr Epic looks better off coming back to the 1200m on the Polytrack,” said Baertschiger. “He found the 1400m on the long course last time too much for him.
“The 2kg off his back for Jacky (Low) is also be important.
“True North won his maiden on the Polytrack in July and then backed up to win in Class 4 grade on the Polytrack at his next run in August.
“He then performed OK on the turf at his next couple before striking a wet track last time and disappointing.
“This looks a nice race for him but he’s drawn an awkward barrier, but if Johnny (Powell) can get him in then I’m sure he’ll run well.”