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More than two months after his withdrawal from the Invitational Group 1 Kranji Mile (1600m), Well Done is nearing his return to the training tracks, but will again miss out on more big races.
Now seven, the son of Falkirk was getting ready for his first outing for trainer Shane Baertschiger since his sensational transfer from his previous handler, David Kok, when he returned lame after a gallop a little over a week before the Kranji Mile.
The 2016 Emirates Singapore Derby winner had to undergo chip surgery to his off-fore fetlock, a relapse of an old injury he sustained after that Derby triumph, which has actually been the last of his seven wins since.
It was heartbreak in his camp, especially for owner Jason Goh, as the year before, his Kranji Mile (then the first Leg of the Singapore Triple Crown series) and Singapore Gold Cup dreams were dashed to the ground after Well Done sustained a near foreleg suspensory injury.
Goh was hoping this year’s new-look Singapore Triple Crown series would still be on the cards, but it would seem those lofty plans for his two-time Group 1 winner (Patron’s Bowl was the other win) will have to yet again be scrapped. The classy chestnut has been on the sidelines too long and won’t be race-fit on time.
The series now kicks off with the Group 1 Raffles Cup (1600m) on September 23 followed by the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (1800m) on October 21 and the Group 1 Dester Singapore Gold Cup (2000m) on November 11.
“We’ve only started to hand-walk him at the stables. He’s looking good and fingers crossed, he’s injury-free this time,” said Baertschiger.
“I will soon bring him back to work, but we can put a line through the Triple Crown. He won’t be ready in time.
“But I hope he can still run one race before the end of the season. His main target will be next year’s Kranji Mile.”