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While comeback owner Tang Weng Fei has already cast his former champion Better Than Ever as the yardstick for his undefeated new find My Dreamliner, trainer Young Keah Yong is a little more conservative.
The Dream Ahead three-year-old has been ultra-impressive at his two wins, both on Polytrack, especially the spanking he gave at the second one in a Class 4 speed dash over 1000m on February 15.
Like many already endeared fans, Tang saw shades of Better Than Ever when My Dreamliner steamrolled his rivals by close to six lengths that day.
At only his second full season, Young realises he may have that above-average sort any trainer dreams of, but he is not one to take shortcuts.
The Singaporean handler will for now try to keep My Dreamliner’s unbeaten run going in this Sunday’s $70,000 Kranji Stakes C race over 1200m. If that box is ticked, then maybe he may raise his aim a little.
“It’s a step-up in distance and a change of surface. Two unknown factors,” said Young.
“I hope he can measure up in class after two very good runs. Everything indicates he should run out the 1200m no problem.
“I haven’t set any target for him, but if he runs well, then we’ll discuss about his options with the owner.”
One of these options would be the Singapore Three-Year-Old Challenge which kicks off with the Group 3 JBBA Singapore Three-Year-Old Sprint (1200m) in three weeks’ time on April 5, but Young is not making the series the be-all and end-all, but neither is he not leaving the door ajar.
“No, I haven’t made the 3YO series his target. Let’s see if he runs well on Sunday first,” said Young.
As opposed to his first two starts when he was handled by two apprentice jockeys (Chin See Cheng was aboard at the debut win last December), My Dreamliner will have senior jockey Benny Woodworth up this time.
“Benny will ride him as it’s a 1200m race this time. I felt he needed a more experienced jockey,” said Young
“There are quite a few good horses to beat. Nimble and Mo Almighty will be the main dangers.
“He won from the front so far, but we’ll have to judge the early speedmap. It may be different this time, it will definitely be tougher.”
My Dreamliner has drawn barrier No 9. While he drew even worse at his first two starts, he will have to contend with a few more serious customers this time – Nimble (who has, however, drawn the outermost alley in 14), Mo Almighty and Triple Trio.