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Classy galloper Stepitup rounded out his preparation towards a possible tilt at the Group 3 Fortune Bowl (2000m) with an impressive come-from-behind win in a barrier trial on Tuesday morning.
Last year’s star three-year-old, who has not raced since his narrow Colonial Chief Stakes win on December 8, dropped back to second-last in the 1000m jumpout, spotting the leader about six lengths before effortlessly cutting back the deficit to just touch out pacesetter Yin Xin (Danny Beasley) right on the line.
The way Stepitup ambled around with regular partner Ivaldo Santana just cuddling him along - except for a little corrective action at the 300m when he was inclined to hang in - screamed how the diminutive galloper was right at the top of his game after his six-week freshen-up.
Trainer Sonny Yeoh was as usual economical in his appraisal of the Hussonet gelding’s sparkling workout, saying it was just an “average” gallop.
“Pretty happy, though it was just an average run. I mean, I didn’t give Santana any instructions and he just gave him an easy time,” said Yeoh, who initially thought his precious charge ran second with the naked eye.
“He has come along well since his last race. It was a nice break and he looks ready for his return.
“The 2000m is a query as he’s never gone that far before, but anyway, I’ll see how he pulls up and weigh him first before deciding if he runs in the Fortune Bowl.”
With a “hongbao” purse of $200,000 up for grabs, the traditional feature on the second day of Chinese New Year on February 1 would bring Stepitup’s earnings closer to the million-mark should he win.
But he will first have to conquer a new frontier – the 10-furlong trip which he is attempting for the first time at his 12th start, having been tested up to 1800m, but none of his eight wins – including his Singapore 3YO clean sweep of the three Legs - having been recorded beyond 1700m.
Though unproven over the trip, his lion-hearted win in the Group 3 Colonial Chief Stakes (1700m) when he had to course out the widest - at times five deep - over two bends and still kept Trudeau at bay, does suggest he won’t be found out.
Santana for one was confident his pet horse was right on song for such an assignment first-up.
“He gave me a very good feel today. I just sat on him quietly at the back and he did it all by himself,” said the Brazilian jockey.
“Sonny has done a good job with him. He feels better than ever.”
Another useful galloper the Yeoh-Santana combination enjoyed plenty of success with last year was Tiger Master, whose bid for a four-a-in-row, however, came unstuck at his last start last Friday. The Bradbury’s Luck four-year-old is backing up this Sunday in the Open Benchmark 83 race over 1800m.
“He gave weight to a lot of horses, but he still ran a good race,” said Santana who tried to make all on the six-time winner before being run down late.
“He was probably short of one run that day. I’m sure he’ll be a lot fitter this Sunday.”
Santana will be banking on both Tiger Master and Stepitup to turn his fortunes around. After a late rampage at his comeback from injury last year, Santana was widely expected to continue in the same vein this season, but he has up to now scored only one win aboard the Yeoh-trained Astrostar on January 10.
“I’ve had no luck. I was having a good run last year, but things have been quiet this year,” he rued.
“I’ve come all the way here to work hard. I ride work every morning, but I’m not getting a lot of support.
“It’s not good, but I hope my luck will change soon.”