Trainer Lee Freedman has every confidence My Big Boss will be better for the experience in the third Leg of the Singapore Golden Horseshoe two-year-old series on Friday.
At his debut in the second Leg two weeks ago, the Magic Millions National Yearling Sale Stakes over 1100m on Polytrack, the son of Smart Missile was the eye-catcher even if he lost the race at the start.
After an awkward jump, My Big Boss conceded a lot of ground, which is costly, especially with inexperienced juveniles. He did steam home for third place just a little over three lengths off the winner Pennywise, the first two-Leg winner who will skip this Friday’s Leg.
As much as the result could have differed if he had jumped on terms, Freedman is not losing too much sleep over the botched start, saying that such rough edges can be polished off in such young horses.
“He was just a little bit slow out of the gates and got into some scrimmage with another horse,” said the Australian mentor.
“It was still a sound run. He will improve with that first run, as with most babies, it’s part of their education and this barrier issue will correct itself and filter out with time.”
Freedman said that the switch to a different course and distance - turf and 1200m – in Friday's $90,000 IRT Juvenile Stakes will also suit the Thai-owned gelding better.
“He will appreciate going on grass this time and over longer – 1200m. He will get 1400m in the future,” he said.
“I have a couple of other babies in the wings, but they are not ready yet and need more education. But this one put his hand up early.
“I was actually surprised as he’s such a big horse and thought he would need more time.”
Australian jockey Daniel Moor, who rode the King Power Stable-owned gelding at his first run, will again be in the irons on Friday. My Big Boss drew off the track on debut but will jump from a low draw in gate No 3 this time.
“He’s only a young horse, and is still learning what racing is all about, but he’s obviously got some ability,” said Freedman.
“Hopefully, he shows better form this Friday and obviously, the intention is to eventually run him in the Group 2 race in a month’s time.”
Freedman was referring to the fifth and final Leg of the Singapore Golden Horseshoe series, the $325,000 Group 2 Aushorse Golden Horseshoe (1200m) on July 13.
