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Smart four-year-old Quarter Back made a sensational racing comeback in the $70,000 Macau Jockey Club Trophy, a Class 3 race over 1200m on Wednesday.
The Japanese-bred was coming off a two-month spell earned after a first 2018 campaign where the precociousness shown as a three-year-old (two wins at his first two starts) did not quite bloom further at his ensuing starts.
Quarter Back did not lose his way, but was somehow not quite living up to the early promise shown.
Trainer Michael Clements wisely put the son of Empire Maker away, and could not have hoped for richer rewards at his first-up race on Chinese New Year’s second day.
In a few strides, the $22 favourite came off his stalking spot in midfield to race away towards a resounding three-quarter-length win. A bold Makkem Lad (Nooresh Juglall) took the race by the scruff of the neck when he grabbed the outright lead from the 700m, but was found out inside the last 100m.
Quarter Back’s stablemate Triple Trio (Vlad Duric) – who was resuming from an even longer break (108 days) - let down late to snare third place another three-quarter length away. The winning time was 1min 9.22secs for the 1200m on the Short Course.
“He’s a horse who does not carry a lot of condition. He lightens up during his preparation, so he’s better off having his races spaced out,” said Clements.
“He’s also a Northern Hemisphere-bred horse and is only starting o mature now. He was in a good condition coming into today’s race.
“We thought he’d be better over a mile or further, but his best form has been around sprints, and ultimately the 1400m. I don’t doubt he will get further as he matures.
“He should get at least the mile. The 4YO series are no more, so we’d be looking at a good Class 2 race over the mile for him.”
Clements was referring to the discontinuation of the Singapore Four-Year-Old Challenge with the ceasing of the second Leg, the Group 1 Charity Bowl over the mile, while the former first and third Legs respectively, the Group 2 Stewards’ Cup (1400m) and the Group 1 Singapore Derby (1800m) are still around.
Moor was at his first race-ride on the Falcon Racing No 5 Stable-owned galloper but did test-drive him at his last barrier trial on January 22, in which he ran a close second to Charger.
“Credit to the horse as he’s had a few issues and was quite green, but he’s put it altogether today,” said the Australian hoop.
“He trialled excellent the other day and it was a good win in a good grade today.
“When they skipped along in front, I didn’t expect him to pick them up, but he did. He will push on to bigger and better things.
“Thanks to Michael Clements and the Thai owners for putting me on this horse.”
Quarter Back has now recorded three wins and one second from eight starts for prizemoney past the $145,000 mark for his Thai connections.
