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The Pentagon Stable could not have hoped for a better boost ahead of Clarton Super’s bid in the Kranji Mile next Saturday after a newcomer of theirs, Clarton Treasure, got off to a flier on Friday.
Pentagon’s principal owner Mr Tang Kim Chwee was indeed in a jolly mood as he headed down to lead in the Guillotine three-year-old, without failing to sing the praise of his favourite rider, veteran jockey Azhar Ismail.
“Azhar, you’ve still got it!” he cheerfully told the multiple Malaysian champion jockey as he dismounted from the impressive but wayward winner of the $85,000 Restricted Maiden race over 1000m on Polytrack.
One can only suspect the likeable owner was hoping that intangible “it” he was referring to would also come to the fore in the inaugural $1.5 million Invitational Group 1 Kranji Mile (1600m) on May 26.
Tang has already twice enjoyed the heights of Group success with Clarton Super – Group 2 EW Barker Trophy (1400m) and Group 3 Fortune Bowl (1400m) – but was a little disheartened after his last-start defeat in the Group 2 Chairman’s Trophy (1600m) won by Circuit Land.
“He lost a front shoe. Hopefully that was why he did not quicken up as he usually does,” he said.
While Clarton Super is handled by first full-season trainer Tan Kah Soon, Tang has entrusted his latest ward to another young upstart, Young Keah Yong, with both handled by Azhar – a clear sign he backs both youth and experience.
“I bought this horse for Mr Tang at a private sale in New Zealand,” said Young.
“It’s his first horse with me and hopefully, he will support me with more horses.
“Clarton Treasure is a very nervous type. He is very keen in trackwork, but he was fit enough for this race.
“The 1000m race is too short for him, but he had to start somewhere. On his bloodlines, he is bred to stay.
“He was still very green in the race. He hung out badly, but it’s okay, it’s his first run, he will improve, but he definitely has ability.”
Clarton Treasure certainly gave a peek of his potential at his barrier trials, both in New Zealand and at Kranji.
“He showed potential in his work and his trials, but he was always very unsettled,” said Azhar.
“He was laying out badly from the 800m. In the end, I just let him stride and guided him through.
“He will be even better over more ground.”
Wearing a hood, Clarton Treasure ($22) actually looked all at sea from the back, plotting a path down the middle of the track with only Ground Attack (Barend Vorster), another debutant, coursing out even deeper.
Upfront, two-year-old Burkaan (Alysha Collett) was hanging on for dear life, but favourite Kiss Your Song (Matthew Kellady) was on the verge of collaring him at the 200m – until they all bowed to Clarton Treasure’s powerful burst.
Clarton Treasure saluted by a neck from Ground Attack with Kiss Your Song in third place, separated by a similar margin. The winning time was just a tick under a minute.
