Trainer Ricardo Le Grange is tossing exciting three-year-old Nowyousee in with the big boys in a Kranji Stakes A race on Friday night.
The Singapore Three-Year-Old Challenge is Nowyousee’s main target, but with the series kicking off with the Group 3 Singapore Three-Year-Old Sprint (1200m) on March 30, Le Grange could not afford to have the Titanium Racing Stable-owned gelding loafing around until then.
The South African mentor is aware the $125,000 Kranji Stakes A race over 1100m will be a tougher proposition than the cattle the son of O’Reilly made light work of at his three wins from four starts, but it will at the same time give a good guide where he stands.
Nowyousee (Nooresh Juglall) at his last win on February 4, picture Singapore Turf Club
Nowyousee won easily at his debut in Restricted Maiden company, then scored in Class 4 and Class 3 (RDA Cup) category. The only blemish came at his second-last start when second to Draco in a Class 3 race over 1200m on January 12. All his races were on Polytrack.
Le Grange said Friday’s race will be a big test for Nowyousee, but added he would not be in the line-up if he had doubts whether he could hold his own against the likes of Nova Swiss, Olympic Anthem, Constant Justice and Distinctive Darci.
“It will be a big test for him. Let’s see how he goes from there,” he said.
“He had a nice barrier trial last Wednesday, winning by a big margin. Elusive Emperor was in the same trial, but he had an easy time (third), which was also very good.
“I wouldn’t have put him in the race if he wasn’t up to it. It’ll be a big learning curve, but from the way he won at his last start in Class 3 company against older horses, there is no reason why he cannot measure up.
“The 3YO Sprint is still six weeks away. There was an opportunity to give him a run first, and I’ve taken it.
“I’ll have to give him a turf gallop closer to the time. He’s never run on grass, but I see no reason why he wouldn’t handle it.”
To be ridden by regular partner Nooresh Juglall, Nowyousee will carry the bottomweight of 49kgs, in receipt of as much as nine kilos from the topweight Nova Swiss.
Le Grange saddles a second runner in Elusive Emperor who will have Barend Vorster up. A line can be put through his last run when a long last to Solaris Spectrum on January 26. He returned with an irregular heart rhythm and respiratory distress.
“Elusive Emperor is a good, honest, and genuine horse,” said Le Grange.
“He’s come good after his respiratory distress. He’s been working well and I expect a good run from him.”
The Tmen Stable-owned Elusive City six-year-old is an old stalwart who is at his fourth season at Kranji, having already brought up a handy record of seven wins in 31 starts. All wins bar one were recorded on turf.
