THEY’RE OFF: Royal Command (third left) is first out of the starting stalls in the company of Little Apache (second left), Magic Killer and Chenlimah (right).
KUCHING: Newcomer Royal Command showed tons of ability when put through its pace in a barrier test on Tuesday morning.
Jumping out well as the gates were released, the three-year-old displayed potential of a top racer in the making by striding out strongly in its first full gallop down the homestraight since arriving at the Sarawak Turf and Equestrian Club recently.
The Club-owned brown colt, which is among a batch of 12 new Sabah ponies brought in to boost local racing, was so full of running that it had to be eased up near the 1200M starting point at the end of the workout.
“He got plenty of speed. Good chance in the coming meeting,” trainer Tamazi Putit said.
Little Apache was also barrier-tested together with Royal Command.
The three-year-old skewbald left the gates smoothly and was keeping pace with the two accompanying ponies – Magic Killer and Chenlimah – in a spirited gallop. The other newcomers which passed their barrier tests on Tuesday morning were Naga Laut, Peace Pipe, Big Chief and Sofia’s Pet.
Naga Laut, a promising three-year-old bay colt, should develop into a very useful sort. Although still a bit green, the good-looking youngster will come its into own with more racing.
Also up there with the newcomers is Peace Pipe, a smallish but big-hearted young bay colt with a swift turn of foot.
Don’t judge this little urn by size alone. It could well turn out to be a ‘cili padi’.
Although some of the new ponies have shaped up better in trackwork, all are essentially unknown quantities. Who knows? Some of the lowly-rated ones may have the last whinny — like Zorro, for instance.
There is no telling how good they are before the baptism of fire in the exciting atmosphere of a race day.
That’s what makes racing intriguing but no less thrilling. Those with horse blood running in their veins will readily vouch for this.
The first weekend of Third Meeting on June 17 will be sponsored by Natural Avenue. The first race will start at 10am and the distance will be 1000M.