Trainer Steven Burridge is confident his three-year-old Hasten will be more than competitive in Saturday’s $50,000 Class 4 race over 1200m (turf), albeit facing a massive rise in Class.
Hasten is having only his second race start after winning on debut in Restricted Maiden company over 1200m (turf) on August 20.
Saturday’s Class 4 field boasts no less than four last start winners, and while Sun Rectitude will battle in this company after winning in Class 5, Charmington, Ghalib and Italian Revolution all won in this company and over six furlongs on the turf.
Ghalib in particular impressed when winning at his Singapore debut on August 13 and looks hardest to beat on the back of a subsequent good trial (no 3) when finishing fourth to Katak on September 5.
So while respectful of his opposition – and under no illusions that Hasten will find the task ahead of him on Saturday an easy one – Burridge knows the son Hellbent is a horse with a future, regardless of the result.
“It’s a strong race for sure,” said the experienced Australian conditioner from trackwork on Tuesday.
“That thing (Ghalib) of (trainer) Michael’s (Clements) looks a very nice type. His debut win was a good one and it was in this grade.
“(Trainer) Donna (Logan) has two (Knippenberg and Charmington) that go super in this type of race and (trainer) James’ (Peters) horse (Cool Sixty-One) as well.
“There are a few more I could add too. So the race will be a very good measuring stick as to where he (Hasten) is at. But you have to remember he’s only three (years-old) and it’s only his second start.”
In Hasten’s favour is that as an early three-year-old winner, he will carry only 53kg at the handicap conditions. And Burridge is quick to point out that it is hard to fault his attitude and work since arriving at his stable earlier this year.
“We bought him (Hasten) privately from (bloodstock agent) Brent Thompson,” explained the Singapore 2010 champion trainer.
“He had won an unofficial jump out and Brent thought he would suit Singapore. There was some current form around his half-brother (Star Mission), so that sealed the deal for me.
“And he has shown plenty since he got to my stable back in April. His trial before he debuted was good enough (won trial no 3 on August 1 in the time of 1min 1.56secs) to think he would go well.
“A lot to like about his win too. He jumped well and showed good early speed and (Jockey) Simon (Kok) had him perfectly positioned behind the leaders. But he showed a good turn of foot and fought on well to hold off (trainer) Tim’s (Fitzsimmons) horse (Eruption) and had everything else covered.
“He’s (Hasten) done well since that win. Done everything we have asked and while the field Saturday is strong, he gets in well with 53kg.
“Simon stays on and hopefully we draw a good gate and we can get a nice sit behind the leaders again.
“So sure, he has to step up to the next level. But whatever the result, this race will hold him in good steed and we have the three-year-old series to look forward to next year.”
The field does contain one other three-year-old – a two-start maiden in Flying Fighter (x Showtime) who is also trained by Burridge – with another stablemate in Galaxy Bar (x Thronum) also nominated for the same race.
Not bad for a stable that only has 19 boxes currently occupied; a fact that also makes the successful season thus far all the more remarkable.
“Can’t complain,” said an understated Burridge.
“We only have 19 horses in work and obviously aren’t getting any new ones soon. So to keep the winners ticking over is good for the stable and the owners.
“And 34 winners for the year so far (to sit ninth on the 2023 trainers’ premiership) is a pretty good result.
“It’s hard to survive in this game at the best of times and even more so now. So yeah, having a winner every other week is very pleasing.”
Of his stable star – the “re-born” Mr Malek – Burridge could not be happier with how the seven-year-old son of Swiss Ace is going, with the $300,000 Group 1 Raffles Cup (1600m) on September 23 next on his agenda.
“He did well, didn’t he?” said Burridge of Mr Malek’s third placing behind Lim’s Kosciuszko in the Group 1 Lion City Cup (1200m) on August 27.
“He couldn’t go with them when they sprinted but he found the line nicely. He will trial next Thursday to keep him ticking over and have a crack at the Raffles Cup and (Group 1) Queen Elizabeth II Cup (1800m).”
The Raffles Cup, QEII Cup (October 14) and the Singapore Gold Cup (November 11) make up the three legs of the Singapore Triple Crown series.
By Larry Foley, Singapore Turf Club.
