11 Sep 2017
A Sir Patrick and Justine, Lady Hogan-bred son of Power has provided champion trainer Lee Freedman with a flying start in Singapore.
The Australian Hall of Fame trainer produced Power three-year-old Mr Clint for a debut win under Kiwi jockey Craig Grylls in the S$75,000 Spalato Stakes, a 1200m restricted maiden.
It was also apt that Freedman’s first - technically second, as he did win the now-defunct Singapore Airlines International Cup with Mummify in 2005 - winner is raced by his predecessor Laurie Laxon’s most loyal owner, Phua Chian Kin of Oscar Racing Stable.
“It’s nice to get away to a memorable start here and for a horse owned by CK, who has been a great supporter of Laurie’s for many years,” said Freedman, whose younger Michael trained with success in Singapore from 2008 to 2016, saddling 456 winners all up including 36 at Group level.
“I’ve actually known CK for a long time during my past visits here. He is a real gentleman and it’s nice to reward him with a winner.
“I thought the horse (Mr Clint) showed a fair bit in his work. The further the better for him as he is by a Zabeel mare (Victoria Belle). He’s got a good action to him and he will come on good from that first run.”
Having worked with the New Zealand-bred Power three-year-old a bit longer, Laxon’s former assistant-trainer Shane Ellis, who is now acting in the same capacity for Freedman, expected a good performance first-up, especially after his handy track and trial form.
“He’s a lovely horse that stood out from the day he stepped into the stables,” said the Perth horseman.
“We always had a high opinion of him. We gave him three trials just to educate him as he is still very raw and green.”
Grylls concurred with Ellis on Mr Clint’s rawness.
“It’s good to ride the first winner for Lee Freedman. The horse found himself three deep at one stage but once we turned into the straight, he balanced up and was too good,” Grylls said.
“He’s still raw but he has a lot of ability.”
Mr Clint is a graduate of Cambridge Stud's 2016 Select Yearling Sale draft and was later pinhooked by Riversley Park at the 2016 Ready to Run Sale, where Laxon purchased him for Singapore. - Singapore Turf Club