A famous tattoo was the inspiration behind the naming of Friday night’s winner Come And Take All.
The Mint Lane three-year-old is named after Singapore’s Olympic gold medalist swimmer Joseph Schooling’s shoulder tattoo “Come And Take It” that trainer Leslie Khoo thought would be a catchy name for a horse.
The first two runs did not quite conjure up images of Schooling gliding through the waters, but the third start was certainly a lot more like it.
Come And Take All (Ryan Curatolo) scores from barrier to box on Friday night, picture Singapore Turf Club
Gunning for the lead from the get-go, Come And Take All ($23) dictated terms for regular partner Ryan Curatolo and looked full of running turning for home in the $85,000 Manulife Cup, a Restricted Maiden race over 1200m.
Crown Gift (Benny Woodworth) made a late bid but could only come within three parts of a length of the winner. Terrific (Salim Yusoff) ran on late for third place another 1 ½ lengths away. The winning time was 1min 12.9secs for the 1200m on the Polytrack.
“I got the name after I saw the tattoo on Joseph Schooling’s back. I thought it would be a nice name for a horse, I just changed it a little to Come And Take All,” said Khoo.
“I was expecting a good run from him tonight and I have to thank the jockey. He gave him a good ride.
“He was green at his first two starts and that’s why I put the blinkers on him tonight.”
Curatolo could not agree more with the beneficial effect the shades had on the Alan Stable-owned Australian-bred three-year-old.
“He broke good and as there was no pace on my inside I found myself leading. I did not want to hold him back as I might get caught wide, so I just let him go to the front by himself,” said the French rider.
“He was a lot more focused with the blinkers tonight. In the straight I punched him right out and did not look back.
“He gave a nice kick and opened up quite well, but then he did get a bit tired in the last bit.”
Before walking on stage to receive his memento from the Manulife representative, Curatolo had an interesting anecdote to share about Come And Take All.
“I remember he was my first ride of the year and he dumped me behind the gates!” said Curatolo.
“He has more than made up for his bad manners on the first day with that win tonight.”
