By Michael Lee – Singapore Turf Club
Despite the hefty handicap, trainer Alwin Tan is staying in Vlad Duric’s corner for the steering duties on last-start winner Revolution this Sunday.
With a top impost of 59.5kgs in Sunday’s $70,000 Kranji Stakes C Division 1 race over 1200m on Polytrack, Tan could have picked a claimer for some weight relief, but he would rather stick with the Unencumbered three-year-old’s partner at his last three starts, which included a strong win in a Class 3 race over 1100m at his last start on February 17.
The two-time Singapore champion jockey’s indisputable riding ability and the solid chemistry forged with Revolution, including the last-start win, are not the only reasons for the vote of confidence.
“I did think about getting an apprentice jockey, but when I looked through the field, he is giving only up to two kilos to the other horses,” said Tan.
“Besides, if I used an apprentice, he would carry too much dead weight, which won’t be the case with Duric who is a heavyweight jockey.
“Duric also knows the horse very well. It will be a big challenge, but I hope they can overcome the big weight.”
Tan said he was happy with the way the four-time winner has thrived this prep and was hoping he would become a worthy Singapore Three-Year-Old Challenge representative next month.
The series kicks off in a fortnight with the Group 3 JBBA Singapore Three-Year-Old Sprint (1200m) on April 5.
“He has maintained his form since his last win. Vlad was very happy with his gallop this morning,” said the 2016 Singapore champion trainer.
“But he’s also up against some very good horses this time and here the main dangers are Jomo, Biraz and Charger.
“I hope he can come through with a good run. His next target is the 3YO series.”
