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Trainer Cliff Brown was rapt he had brought up his first winner for the Lim’s Stable when promising three-year-old Lim’s Archer scored from pillar to post on Sunday.
The former Singapore multiple-champion owner has been firing on all cylinders at only their second year since their comeback, currently leading the owner’s log on 16 wins. Lim's Archer, a son of English Derby winner Authorized, is the first of their big team (normally with Steven Burridge, Stephen Gray, Mark Walker) they have sent to Brown.
Brown actually had an opportunity to run him in the second Leg of the Singapore Three-Year-Old Challenge, Sunday’s Group 2 Singapore Three-Year-Old Classic (1400m), but resisted the temptation and targeted the easier $75,000 Super Easy 2013 Stakes, a Graduation race over 1400m instead.
Brown, however, revealed that he would still get his chance to take on his peers in the 3YO series.“I could have run him in the Classic but I didn’t. He’s going for the Guineas, though,” said the Australian handler in reference to the third Leg, the Group 1 Singapore Guineas on May 15.
“He’s by Authorized. He’ll get the mile no worries.
“He got beaten by Magnetise first-up but he was too good today. He raced in Sydney coming off the pace and got a bit lost in front today but still finished it off very well.
“It’s great to train my first winner for the Lim’s Stable. A big thank you to Mr Lim Siah Mong for his support.”
Brown, the jockey, said it was not in his original plan to dictate on the $16 favourite, but he had no qualms in assuming the role when nobody showed any interest to do so. Once committed, the Australian said Lim’s Archer actually slotted into that pattern quite well and even likened him to a natural galloper he used to have a close affinity with.
“He reminds me of Goodman in the way he keeps grinding away in the home straight,” said Brown.
“There was absolutely no intention to lead but as there was no speed in the race, we landed in that spot.
“He’s still learning and is still green but he has many upsides about him. He will get a nice journey.”
Dreamweaver (Alan Munro) jumped out of the ground at the 250m to issue a stiff challenge but Lim's Archer held him at bay to score by a head. Sir Reginald (Wong Chin Chuen) ran third another 1 ¼ lengths away. The winning time was 1min 22.7secs for the 1400m on the Short Course.