Via Michael Lee Singapore Turf Club
Lim’s Craft made winning look easy in the $50,000 Class 4 Division 2 race over 1400m on Sunday – and maybe it may open up more opportunities between rider and jockey in the future.
The Smart Missile four-year-old was ridden by Benny Woodworth in a rare booking for the Steven Burridge yard. The last time the Malaysian jockey combined successfully with the Australian dates as far back as September 4, 2011 and incidentally in a feature race for good measure – Captain Obvious in the Group 3 Jumbo Jet Trophy.
Travelling in a one-out one back position from the off, the Lim’s Stable-owned gelding improved ominously around runners upon straightening before sailing home.
Showing a clean set of heels, Lim’s Craft was never in doubt, even if Blitz Power (Zy Nor Azman) did whittle down the margin to one length in the end.
Among the better-fancied runners, Vulcan (John Powell) stuck on well for third place another one and three-quarter lengths away while Bushido (Daniel Moor) had every chance after travelling outside leader Oxbow Sun (A’Isisuhairi Kasim), but faded badly to finish among the also-ran.
Sent out as the even-money favourite, Lim’s Craft, who opened his account two runs back (when ridden by apprentice jockey Syahir Abdul) in Restricted Maiden company over 1200m, registered the time of 1min 22.93secs for the 1400m on the Short Course.
Lim’s Craft did look a bundle of nerves on the way to the barriers, but Burridge was not overly concerned by such pre-race behaviour.
“He’s not really difficult to train. He was a bit fresh at his first run back (three weeks ago),” said the Australian handler.
“We brought him back, he was still a bit nervous at his trial; he was sweating at the barriers. He flew the box.
“He was very unlucky at his last start, but it wasn’t Simon’s (Kok Wei Hoong) fault. He was a bit sore last time and we scratched him, but we had him today.
“He’s an up-and-coming horse. Benny rode him well, and I’d like to thank the staff for the great job on this horse.”
Woodworth was suitably impressed with his 33rd winner for the year, predicting that he should develop into a miler eventually.
“The horse jumped out good, was in the box seat and travelled good throughout,” he said.
“I had to come out a bit early before the straight, and once I pressed the button, he was too good.
“He didn’t pull hard and I think he will run 1600m no problem as well.”
With that second win in five starts, Lim’s Craft has now collected around $90,000 in prizemoney for the Lim’s Stable.
