Aussie rider Stephen Baster scored the first group win of his Singapore stint on Sunday when he guided the star galloper Mr Big to victory in the $200,000 Group Three Kranji Sprint (1200m).
Baster was at his best, allowing Mr Big to cruise along at the front of the field and the pair were never headed, going down to the post to win easily.
A member of the Michael Freedman stable, Mr Big held a length and three quarter margin on the line over Ato, while Masthead was a further two and a half lengths back in third place.
“He’s such a genuine galloper,” Freedman said of Mr Big. “He just doesn’t like to get passed by another horse when he gets in front.”
“Going to the front probably worked out for him today. He was always travelling well and was given a well judged ride by Steve.”
“In the end he probably scored one of his easiest wins here.”
Freedman said there were a couple of options for Mr Big and he would wait a few days to make a decision as to where to head next.
“I will either look at the second leg of the 3YO Challenge (Classic over 1400m) or the Lion City Cup (1200m). I’ll have a chat with the owner to reach a decision.”
The win continued the dream start to the Singapore riding stint of star Melbourne rider Stephen Baster.
After riding a number of winners already at Kranji it seemed only a matter of time before he would win one of the region’s feature events.
“It’s been fantastic since I came here. Everybody is so friendly and all the trainers have given me a chance and now I win my first Group race here,” Baster said.
“The horse began well as usual and went to the front. There was a little bit of pressure from Greg Cheyne’s horse (Eclair Flyer) but he was always travelling very well.”
Mr Big has turned out an incredible money spinner for connections following his purchase for $21,000 from the Yarraman Park draft at the 2010 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Yet to miss a place from 12 starts – seven of which have ended in wins – Mr Big has earned over S$646,000 (A$500,000).
A son of Sepoy’s sire Elusive Quality, Mr Big is the sole winner to date for the unraced Danehill mare Basamaat.
Basamaat is a full sister to the international stakes galloper Clear Impression – a winner and three times stakes placed mare.
In turn she is from the Royal Ascot group winning Red Ransom mare Shining Hour.
As well as Basamaat’s dam being a group winner, her second and third dams were both group performers in Europe.
Winner: Mr Big
Breeding: Elusive Quality-Basamaatt
Race: Singapore TC Kranji Sprint G3 (1200m)
Sold for: $21,000
Sale: 2010 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Yarraman Park Stud (As Agent)
Buyer: Magic Millions as agent
Earnings: S$646,093
Owner(s): O & T Stable
Trainer: Michael Freedman (Kranji)
PICS – Singapore Turf Club.
