Trainer John O’Hara could not have named the lightly-raced Friendship any better, and a second win this Friday will certainly give him another reason to toast to friendship indeed.
O’Hara races the US-bred four-year-old with his good friend Kenny Tan, and in the famous red and silver chevrons colours of his late cousin, legendary trainer Ivan Allan.
Though Friendship has raced only four times thus far, the two buddies have already popped the champagne to one win, at only his second start in a Restricted Maiden race over 1200m on Polytrack last October when ridden by the currently suspended Troy See.
He then ran second to Keepitup when rising in grade in a Class 4 race over 1200m before O’Hara tipped him out to allow him to furnish into a leaner and stronger individual.
That seems to have been achieved going on his comeback race in a Class 4 race over 1100m on May 26. Looking in fine trim in spite of his six-month spell, Friendship got squeezed in the early part before being caught deep, but still stormed home for an impressive second to Clarton Super, who made that formline look strong after his convincing win in Class 3 company last Sunday.
“It was a very good first-up run from Friendship. He ran on very strongly,” said O’Hara.
“The 1200m should suit him even better this Friday. He has been working well and I expect him to run a bold race.
“He trialled last week and that seems to have brought him on further. Alan rode him at his last start and in that trial, and he will ride him again this Friday.
“At this stage, I will keep him to such trips, but I would have no problem stepping him up over further at some stage.”
Friendship has drawn well in barrier No 3 in Friday’s $60,000 Class 4 race over 1200m and will carry the topweight of 57.5kgs. Among the opposition he will face, the handful of runners who could thwart him are last-start winner Board Walk and the consistent Soon Yi.
“On his current form, he should go well. It would be great if he could win another race for Kenny,” said O’Hara.
“I bought this horse in a private sale from America, and when I asked Kenny if he wanted to buy a share in him, he was more than happy to come on board.”
