Webster has not taken long to show his wares at Kranji but trainer Daniel Meagher is cautious about seeing him double up in the Novice race on Friday night.
Even after his impressive win at his second outing in a Restricted Maiden race over 1200m on June 2, Meagher did say post-race that the best was yet to come.
Obviously, the Australian handler does not think the $75,000 Novice race over 1200m will be that day the Showcasing three-year-old will make that happen, but he still remained hopeful of another forward showing from the first galloper he is preparing for New Zealand owner Graham Mackie of Spalato fame.
Last-start winner Webster will face a tougher challenge this Friday, picture Singapore Turf Club
“I did tell Graham and (wife) Trish (Dunell) that this horse will get better with more racing under his belt,” said the second-year trainer.
“He’s not a big horse and is only lightly-trained, but he did benefit from his two starts (he ran a closing second to the outstanding Chopin’s Fantaisie at his first race in a Polytrack race over 1100m for Restricted Maidens).
“He needs more time but whatever he does on Friday, he will improve on it. He’s very raw, but he won a nice race last time.
“I think he took Manoel (Nunes) by surprise with the way he was so quick out of the barriers at his last start. He took a hold of him but the horse overraced a bit.
“On this performance, he showed he was still immature and he can only improve, but I would say he hasn’t really improved since. He has just maintained his fitness and form.”
With Webster tackling better cattle such as last-start winners Why Not and Made In China or up-and-comer Bear Witness and speed squib Grey Falcon, Meagher is treading carefully.
“He’s running in a very strong field. Made In China won well on debut and he’s got a fantastic pedigree and all,” he said.
“But to me the horse to beat is Why Not. He dictated and kicked clear for a solid win; he will be the big danger.”
With Nunes currently sidelined through an ankle injury, it is Danny Beasley, who himself is returning from a two-day suspension for careless riding aboard War Affair, who will ride Webster on Friday.
“Manoel is still out injured. So we booked Danny,” he said.
“Danny rode him at his barrier trials even before Manoel got to ride him. So he knows the horse quite well.”
