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The much-vaunted Argentinian-bred newcomer Pachelbel’s Canon was meant to make his Kranji debut three weeks ago, but the onset of a virus forced his non-participation.
But all is good to go now as he faces the starter this Sunday in the $200,000 Group 3 Kranji Sprint (1200m).
Trainer Michael Clements was all set to see how the son of Jump Start would fare in the Group 3 Merlion Trophy (1200m) on March 15, but when mucus in his nose and hind leg swelling were detected, an enforced rest became necessary.
Thankfully, Pachelbel's Canon has recovered with the appropriate treatment and is now all geared to show his wares in another feature race.
Clements remains confident the third of a contingent of six Argentinian-breds he recently took under his care from the Jubilant Racing Stable, will still acquit himself well despite the health setback. Ode To Joy and Ride Of Valkyries are the first two to have already run, albeit without success yet.
“He has had three trials in Singapore and he has done pretty well. He has a lot of speed,” said Clements.
“I feel that these horses need a few runs in order to come to their best so I am expecting for him to run well on Sunday, but I’m not all that confident he will win.
“On ratings, he should be able to run in Group company, though I would have preferred to run him in a lesser race like a Class 1 race first-up, but there were not any such races around.”
A positive Clements is hoping Sunday’s debut will give him a good gauge to his future campaign.
“He’s won a number of races in Argentina in 1200m. His best win in Argentina was over 1600m where he won their best race (Group 1 Gran Premio Estrellas Mile over 1609m),” he said.
“He’s a well-performed horse and has a bright future here in Singapore.”
For a start, the Zimbabwean-born handler had already entered him and Ride Of Valkyries in the $3 million Group 1 Singapore Airlines International Cup (2000m) to be run on May 17.
“He’s one of the likely local starters. If he is ready for the race he may get a run in the race,” he said.
“We will certainly be looking to campaign him for other Group 1 races in Singapore.”
Ride Of Valkyries who made a promising debut when second to Fraajilistic in a Class 3 race over 1400m on February 27, disappointed at her second run in a Kranji Stakes C (1600m) on March 22 when a beaten favourite.
“She’s a bit one-paced and a bit unlucky that time,” said Clements.
“She was held up in the race at the wrong time when she was starting to get going. By the time she got going, the race was all over.”
Clements’ Argentinian-breds, who will both be ridden by back-from-suspension champion jockey Manoel Nunes, will not be the only focus of his attention this weekend. His apprentice jockey, Kif Toh, is making a comeback from injury this Friday on Ballistics in the $65,000 Gingerbread Man 2011 Stakes Initiation race (1000m).
The promising rookie was the victim of a serious race fall last June, when he injured his spine. Clements was glad that Toh has recovered and can continue his riding career.
“It’s been a long time. I’m very excited about having him back,” said Clements. “I was worried after his accident and how his future would pan out for him.
“Hopefully he’s going to continue where he has left off.”
Toh made a smashing debut to his career when he won at his first ride – Leave Me Alone for trainer Mohd Yusof on March 21, 2014, following up with a riding double the next week with Zedkaar and Real Goodman.
He kept up a good strike rate by adding another eight wins in the space of only four months, until his momentum was halted by his fall from the Laurie Laxon-trained Sir Fleetwood on June 6, the same day he picked up a riding double with State Trooper and Paterson Road earlier.
“I feel a lot better now. I wanted to make sure my spine was 100% okay before I make my comeback,” said Toh.
“I have one ride on Friday and another two rides on Sunday (Super Spur and Lion Wave) all for Mr Clements. I have to thank my boss for his support and hopefully, I can start riding winners soon.”