The adage ‘when it rains, it pours’ certainly resonated with English trainer David Hill’s Class 5 galloper Turquoise Son after his long-awaited maiden win was duly followed by a second win on Sunday.
After a lacklustre introduction to his racing career with ex-Kranji conditioner Sam Chua in 2014, the son of Strada did not race for a year before joining Hill’s yard.
Blinkers did improve him a tad, but the winning post still proved elusive in 24 starts all-up.
Turquoise Son (Manoel Nunes) races away from Jacks Secret (Vlad Duric) to take out Race 1 on Sunday, picture Singapore Turf Club
There have, however, been noticeable signs of encouragement at his recent endeavours when he was brought back in distance, and champion jockey Manoel Nunes took over the reins at his last four starts.
After Turquoise Son came from well back to run second and third twice, all in Class 5 events run over 1200m on Polytrack, that ice-breaker was finally in his keeping at his 25th attempt when he raced handier than usual before storming away to a big win.
The question was whether a Class 5 conveyance like him could double the dose. The answer could not have come in more resounding fashion in Sunday’s opener, the $35,000 Class 5 race over 1200m.
Again electing for a forward berth under Nunes, the seven-year-old gelding went on to assert his superiority in the home straight, comfortably holding favourite Jacks Secret (Vlad Duric) by one and a quarter length. Third place went to Patroclus (Troy See) another three and a half lengths away.
Returning $32 for a $5 outlay, Turquoise Son clocked 1min 11.56secs for the 1200m on the Polytrack.
It may have been a modest Class 5 win, Hill was still pleased his colours (under the Sawgrass Stable banner) had shone again.
“There isn’t much to say about a Class 5 horse, but I’m so glad he’s won two for us. It’s a confidence thing,” said Hill.
“Some didn’t think a horse who was rated 29 not too long ago (before his maiden win) could come and win this. I thought he had a chance and I think the three-week freshen-up also helped him.”
Nunes, who is continuing his hot streak following his winning treble on Friday, said Turquoise Son is better off ridden closer to the speed.
“Last time he drew well and landed in a good spot, but today he drew wide (8) and still raced in a handy spot,” said the three-time Singapore champion jockey who is now only 11 winners behind long-time leader Duric.
“It’s amazing what a first win can do a horse’s confidence. He certainly knows the way to the winning post now.
“He’s no champion, but at least he’s paying his way now.”
Turquoise Son also had seven placings that have gone some way in padding up his current prizemoney takings to around the $75,000 mark for connections.
