Copper Belt Racing Stables

McDonald on target aboard Golden Curl - Michael Lee

Wed, 23 May 2012 14:03:00 GMT

New Zealand’s top jockey James McDonald did not fail to make his one-day visit at Kranji count on Singapore Airlines International Cup day, scoring for fellow Kiwi trainer Stephen Gray aboard Golden Curl.

Booked to ride the John Moore-trained Zaidan in the $3 million Group 1 race, the New Zealand champion jockey unsurprisingly had his services well sought at Kranji as he had also picked up six more rides, of which Golden Curl was probably one of his better chances.

McDonald, who rode two winners (both for Laurie Laxon) at Kranji on a similar pitstop visit last year, said Gray had fulfilled his promise to put him on a winner on Sunday.

“Stephen told me he would put me on a winner. I’m glad he kept his word,” said McDonald who sealed one of his biggest oveseas wins in the Group 1 BMW Champions Mile aboard Xtension (Moore’s original SIA Cup entry) a few weeks ago.

“It’s a fantastic place to ride at, especially today. The riders are all so competitive and it gives you a chance to test yourself against some of the best.

“The horse was always travelling good in mid-division and once I asked him the question in the home straight, he just finished too good.

“I think he can go over further. Steve’s got a pretty nice horse here.”

Gray said he had mapped out more ambitious plans for the Pentire three-year-old but scrapped them after his disappointing run on a bogged-down track.

“He’s a very good horse and I was gutted last start when it was a heavy track and I just had to stop and start again,” said Gray.

“I was really disappointed as I wanted to go for the Three-Year-Old series.

“But I felt he was a little immature and, well, things happen for a reason. It was probably a blessing in disguise as he was a little down after that.

“So we just backed off him and kept him for here. I am rapt today as I can see what he has got and I am rapt for the owner as he is my best mate, Paul Hickman.

“He has put a lot of money into the game and he has a lot of good young horses coming through and he is a good loyal friend, and they are hard to find.”

Gray said jockey Stephen Baster, who rode him at his last two starts, was the one who told him to dismiss the last run.

“Steve was supposed to ride him, but for some reason, he had to ride another horse, but anyway, it was Steve who told me to forget that ride as the track was too heavy,” said Gray.

“The wide draw was a concern but it made no difference when you have the best jockey in the world on him.”

Gray in white-hot form - Lee, Brennan

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:23:00 GMT

Fresh from his winning treble on Friday, trainer Stephen Gray kept the winning trot on the march when he saddled another treble in the first five races, including the quinella in Sunday’s opener.

The back-in-form Kiwi handler’s horses were all the rage again following Friday’s hat-trick courtesy of Mr Gee, Joyful Melody and April’s Knight, with this time Devonshire, Golden Curl and Silver Lining doing the honours.

With the treble it brought Gray’s score up to 12 winners, just three behind current leader Leslie Khoo. Such early high returns certainly backed up his prediction at the end of a lacklustre season last year that he would get back on track in 2012.

Gray did begin last year reasonably well, but ran out of steam towards the tail end, picking up only two wins in the last two months (both from Indicio) to wind up with 34 winners.

“I did say this year would be better than last year, and things seem to be going that way. Fingers crossed, they stay that way,” said a delighted Gray.

“I thought the first winner (Devonshire) would need the run today. I did tell Danny (Beasley) he was on the best horse in the race but he probably needed a longer trip.

“But he ran fresh after I gave him a spell. He just had had enough (after his first prep) with racing then.

“My other horse (Ravoux) followed him but actually got stuck behind him. I thought he (Devonshire) would blow out because of his lack of fitness, but he kept hitting the line very well.

“Ravoux had every chance, but my other horse didn’t stop. That’s racing.”

Resuming from a three-month layoff, Devonshire ($68) defeated his better-fancied stablemate, favourite Ravoux ($12) by three parts of a length in the $55,000 Class 4 Division 2 race over 1200m.

Beasley said he went in with the confidence he was sitting atop the “best horse” in the race and things eventually panned out better than he thought.

“Steve just told me he was the best horse in the race but he was more of a miler and might need the run today,” said the Australian jockey.

“He had a lovely spot throughout and when I asked him for an effort, he hit the front very well, but then he didn’t quite ping away from them.

“I kept working at him and in the end he did his best work at the finish to win. He’s a nice horse and I think he will go higher than Class 4 when he goes over a mile.”

A four-year-old by Bachelor Duke, Devonshire is raced by the Patella Racing Stable headed by New Zealand Bloodstock’s Asian representative Mike Kneebone and has now picked up stakes earnings of just under $70,000 from two wins in five runs.

Golden Curl was lining-up for his second start and Gray said inexperience had defeated the gelding on debut.

Ridden by Stephen Baster, Golden Curl scored a runaway six-length victory over Ktronic (Ivaldo Santana) with Von Snitzel (Olivier Placais) a length away third.

And now Gray will look to the second and third legs of the Singapore Three-Year-Old Challenge – the Group 2 $350,000 Singapore Three-Year-Old Classic (1400m) and the Group 1 $500,000 Singapore Guineas (1600m) with the gelding.

A NZ$170,000 purchase from the Ready To Run Sales as a two-year-old, Golden Curl had won a couple of trials before finding his way to Singapore.

"We’ve taken our time with him but I think he’s a very nice horse," said Gray.

"He’s bred to get over further and I think he could develop into a lovely miler. I won’t run him in the 1200m race in the Three-Year-Old Challenge, instead I’ll concentrate on the 1400m and 1600m races.

"It’s a great result for Paul (Hickman) who has put a lot of money into his horses up here in Singapore and hopefully he’s got a good one here."

Despite drawing out in barrier 15 (he came into 13 after the scratchings), Baster was always confident of success despite racing three wide for the trip.

"I got some cover and was happy to see Joao (Moreira, on the favourite Burn It Up) sitting out four wide," said Baster.

"As soon as we had gone 200m I was always going to win. He was all over the shop up the straight and I certainly didn’t get to the bottom of him.

"Naturally there is going to be quite a deal of improvement to come from him."

Baster said the easy six length winning margin was a welcome relief.

"I hate winning by a short-half-head all the time," said Baster. "It’s much better winning by a good margin and being able to enjoy the win."

Golden Curl is a three-year-old New Zealand-bred gelding by Pentire from the Tierce mare Forsaken Gold and has won around $42,000 in prizemoney for the St George Stable from his two outings.

Gray rewarded the hard work of Andy Ismail in providing the claiming rider with victory aboard Silver Lining in the $35,000 Class 5 Stakes over 1600m to bring up the treble.

Silver Lining scored by a half-length over Sir Rumble (Jacky Low) with Subdue (Alan Ng) the same margin away third.

"Andy doesn't get a lot of opportunities so it's great to see him ride a winner," said Gray.

It was Silver Lining's fifth win from 43 starts and took his prizemoney close to $150,000 for the Sterling Silver stable.

Firmer track to the liking of Mr Gee - Craig Brennan

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:10:00 GMT

A firmer track and a rise in distance paved the way to success for Mr Gee in the $55,000 Class 4 Stakes over 1400m on Friday night.

Ridden by South African rider Greg Cheyne, Mr Gee scored a short-head win over Affirmation (Koh Teck Huat) with Danny (Joao Moreira) two-and-a-quarter lengths away third.

Just a week earlier Mr Gee had lined-up in a 1200m Class 4 on a yielding track but was a beaten horse 50m after the start before finishing in eighth position.

But with fine weather and no rain in the lead-up to racing on Friday night Mr Gee appreciated the firmer conditions.

Mr Gee tracked the speed in fifth position that was set by Movie Goer (Zawari Razali) and Affirmation. On the point of the turn Affirmation kicked clear but Cheyne had moved Mr Gee into a prominent position and was ready to strike.

Over the final 200m the pair settled down to fight out the finish with a cool, cleverly judged ride by Cheyne getting the gelding home narrowly.

“He didn’t have a lot of things go his way last week,” said trainer Stephen Gray.

“It was the last race of the night, the track was too soft and he was slow out of the barriers.

“We decided to back him up straight away and we were hoping for the weather to stay fine.

“Even though he’s bred to handle the wet he just doesn’t like the soft ground at all.”

Gray said it was disappointing that Mr Gee didn’t handle the conditions last week as some of the gelding’s connections from Australia were in Singapore last weekend.

“He just didn’t go a yard in the ground last week which was disappointing for the connections,” said Gray.

“They are a group of great guys and they have a horse that goes well but has had a few issues.

“The jockey (Alan Munro) got off him last week and said to just forget he ran as he wasn’t at all comfortable in the ground.

“Unfortunately he (Munro) couldn’t make the weight tonight but we got a good replacement and he wasn’t hard on the horse in the final stages.”

Mr Gee had spent more than 12 months out of the winner’s circle and connections were certainly glad to see a change of fortune.

A four-year-old by Noverre from the Selkirk mare Guidance, Mr Gee was having just his tenth race start on Friday night, registering his second win with a further three minor placings and took his prizemoney to around $90,000 for the Whiz Bang Stable.

The night got even better for Gray when he went on to saddle a winning treble. The second leg came courtesy of Joyful Melody (Alan Munro) who held off a late charge from Tai Commands (Koh Teck Huat) to win the $35,000 Maiden Stakes over 1400m before April's Knight (Olivier Placais) gained victory at the very next race in the $35,000 Class 5 race over 2000m.

With the big haul, the New Zealander leaps to sixth place on the Singapore trainer’s championship on nine wins, six wins in arrears of current leader Leslie Khoo.

Convict steals an early win - Craig Brennan

Wed, 23 May 2012 14:00:00 GMT

Trainer Stephen Gray looks to have a smart galloper on his hands following the win of Convict in the $65,000 Initiation Stakes over 1200m on Sunday.

Having just his second start, Convict, ridden by Alan Munro, scored a one-and-three-quarter length win over Freezemaster (Matt Kellady) with Martin (Joao Moreira) a length-and-a-quarter away third.

On debut Convict ran up against Taichi Master, finishing two lengths astern, with Taichi Master since going on to record another win in smart time in Class 4 company.

“I knew after this horse had his first start that I had a fairly smart horse on my hands,” said Gray.

“I’ve got a lot of time for the horse that beat him on debut and I knew my horse had improved from that run.

“He’s a horse that we have taken along quietly. He’s pretty mature and he’s a big strong horse who should get over a bit further.”

Munro allowed Convict to work to the front in the early stages of the race and led the way over the heavily backed favourite Modern Man (Oscar Chavez) with Freezemaster and Glimmering (Greg Cheynne) in close attendance.

Soon after straightening for home Munro clicked Convict into another gear and the four-year-old quickly opened up a winning break on his rivals with Freezemaster also holding on bravely for second place.

Gray, who is also a part-owner of the gelding, purchased Convict as a late three-year-old after seeing him trial in New Zealand.

“My agent got in contact with me and said he had found a nice horse,” said Gray.

“He won his trial on a wet track in New Zealand which didn’t really impress me, but then I had another look at him and thought it was better than it looked.

“He was a big strong type and I thought there was some natural improvement in him and we decided to take a chance on him.”

A chance meeting in Brisbane last year with a group of Australian owners saw them take a share in the gelding with Gray the manager.

“I met this guy in Brisbane last year who was interested in racing a horse here in Singapore,” said Gray.

“He said to give him a ring when I found the right horse, so I decided to put him into this one.

“I think the owners are going to have a bit of fun with him.”

A four-year-old by Mossman from the Jade Robbery mare Snowdropping, Convict gets his name through his dam.

‘Snow dropping’ is an Australian term for someone who steals women’s underclothes from their washing lines.

Gray later completed a double when Boomz, ridden by Joao Moreira, scored a two-and-a-quarter length win in the $35,000 Class 5 Stakes over 2000m.

First-ride experience pays Handsome dividends - Micheal Lee

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:18:00 GMT

The benefit of hindsight can go a long way in racing and such adage was again proven true in the opening event of the 12-race programme on Sunday.

French jockey Olivier Placais used the experience of his first ride aboard Handsome Bachelor at his last outing on January 6 to winning effect at his next booking on the same galloper in Sunday’s $35,000 Maiden-1 race over 1400m.

At their first pairing, Placais dropped the Bachelor Duke four-year-old off the pace from an awkward alley but the tactics proved fruitless as they barely made any ground in the home straight, beaten five lengths by Perfect Kid.

With trainer Stephen Gray back in New Zealand to attend the Karaka Sales, Placais had a pre-race discussion with stabe supervisor Matthew Lewis and the consensus reached was to go the other way – lead.

Carrying the Copper Belt Stable colours of blue and yellow checks, Handsome Bachelor ($41) pinged out of the gate and had little trouble finding the lead on settling with Onepluszero (Ivaldo Santana) on his hindquarters and Alpha Infinity (Opie Bosson) right behind in the box-seat.

Handsome Bachelor stacked up the speed coming off the back to round the home turn still full of running, but when Alpha Infinity was peeled out wide for his run, it looked like the maiden galloper with a record of 10 runs for three thirds would again bite the dust.

But when Placais got into overdrive, Handsome Bachelor kept finding on the rails while Alpha Infinity was not quickening as expected. The fast-finishing Super Velox (Stephen Baster) however burst through inside the last 100m looking like he could peg him back, but the winning post arrived on time for Handsome Bachelor who fell in by half-a-length from Super Velox who was recording his first placing in seven runs.

Third was More Than Worthy (Joao Moreira) who loomed up as a big threat at the 200m but flattened out a little towards the end to settle for third another one length away. The winning time was 1min 24.4secs.

“At his last start, he drew a bad gate and he didn’t fire when we got back. He just weakened home,” said Placais.

“This time I did my homework and Matt and I decided we should go forward. I was able to slow down the pace at the 700m.

“The horse was always on the bit and never ran into the ground at any stage. When Opie’s horse came up, I thought he would beat us, but my horse fought back very well and got the money.”

Lewis said they decided on a plan to race positive after realising there were not many speedsters in the race.

“He was unlucky at his last start as he was drawn wide. I told Olivier to jump in a good position this time as there was not a lot of speed in the race,” he said.

“If he can do that, I just told him to then use his head. I must say he rode him very well.

“He’s a horse who did show some ability at his first few starts, but he lost his way after that. Things fell into place this time and he deserved a win just to let him grow in confidence.”

Indicio keeps racking up the wins for Gray - Michael Lee

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:18:00 GMT

Promising three-year-old Indicio is shaping up as a flagship horse for trainer Stephen Gray after he reeled off his third win in a row on Tuesday.

The New Zealand trainer, who went on to score a double with Born To Fly, had saddled only three winners in the last three months prior to the Chinese New Year meeting. With the double, three of the five wins have now been supplied by Indicio, a New Zealand-bred by Ishiguru.

Gray did not enjoy the best of years in 2011, a state of affairs which was compounded by a stomach surgery, that he has luckily recovered from. Indicio, who is raced by the Big Valley Stable headed by Japanese businessman Masa Otani of El Dorado fame, happened to have been a much-needed tonic during his convalescence as his last two wins were scored during those difficult times.

Ridden by Saimee Jumaat in the $65,000 Good Health Stakes, a Graduation race over 1200m, Indicio, who was sent out as a short-priced $6 favourite, came from last in the small seven-horse field to put the race away in a few bounds once he was able to switch out wide upon straightening.

The winning time was 1min 10.9secs.

“What I like about this horse is he can relax and produce a very good turn of foot,” said Gray. “To me, that is a sign of a classy horse in the making.

“I’m very pleased for Masa as he was the first horse he personally bought at the Karaka Sales last year. I gave him a list and he went for this one.

“He’s a full brother to a very good sprinter back home called Geeza. We bought him for the Karaka Million but he got shinny and we brought him here instead.

“The field wasn’t strong today and he did a good job to win first-up. I think he should still be eligible for Graduation races and that’s what I will be looking for him.

“Then, I will be looking at the Singapore Three-Year-Old Challenge for him. We’re not getting too carried away but he’s definitely hitting the right way.”

Gray said the way he relaxed and wound up late suggested the mile should not be beyond him at a later stage.

“Saimee said he just switched off at the back and just when went whoosh once he asked him for an effort,” said Gray.

“He told me he should be able to go up to 1400m and even the mile but I will keep him to 1200m for now.”

Saimee who was back in the winner’s circle after coming from a suspension was all smiles as he returned to scales.

“It’s good to be back a winner on Chinese New Year,” said Saimee. “Let’s hope it brings me more luck this year.

“Steve just told me to hold him up as much as I can. When I clicked him up in the home straight, he was just a class above.”

Ridden by John Sundradas, Born To Fly ($22) took out the $55,000 Class 4 Lunar New Year Handicap over 1400m.

The Mossman four-year-old scored by a length over SS The Sprinter (Saifudin Ismail) with favourite Gold Pyramid (Joao Moreira) a half-length back in third place.

Gray beats health scare to return a winner - Michael Lee

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:49:00 GMT

Trainer Stephen Gray considered himself a lucky man on Sunday afternoon as he led in his first winner since recovering from a serious stomach ailment a month ago.

The burly New Zealand man had to go under the knife at Gleneagles Hospital shortly after he was diagnosed with a hernia in his intestines. Despite such depressing news, it was business as usual for his wife Bridget and his team at the stables.

Thankfully, the major operation – which required his stomach to be “laid out on the table and reconstructed” – was a success. A few days later, the team could not have been greeted by a better tonic win with Indicio on November 13.

Gray left the hospital the same week and had been slowly getting back to his routine, but had been avoiding coming to the races until Sunday when he told himself he had to be there to see the very same horse race.

The Ishiguru three-year-old was going head to head with a bunch of promising sorts such as The Hustler, Tavan Bogd, Eatons Gold and Irish Coffee in the $65,000 Novice race over 1100m on Polytrack.

Despite travelling the widest, Indicio ($28), with Saimee Jumaat up, finished the best under heavy rain to score a gritty head win from a $232 roughie, newcomer Stub (Oscar Chavez) with Tavan Bogd (Declan McDonogh) third another 1 ¼ lengths away. The winning time was 1min 5.93secs.

Favourite ($9) The Hustler (John Powell) had every chance but probably felt the pinch from the early speed battle with Stub to run fourth another head away.

“I wasn’t going to come to the races that early as I only wanted to come to see Indicio run, but my son James cut his arm this morning and Bridget had to take him to the hospital,” said Gray.

“It was nothing serious, but I thought then I would come earlier and that’s how I saw the other races as well.

“It’s good to be back especially after what happened. It was my fault as I should have had my stomach checked earlier after my first operation a few years ago.

“The doctors have done a great job and luckily I got through, but full credit must also go to Bridget and my team who have kept the stable going when I was away.”

Gray said Indicio is a horse who is destined to greater heights, especially as he was originally bought with the Karaka Million in mind.

“He’s a full brother to a very good sprinter back in New Zealand called Geeza. Masa (Otani of Big Valley Stable) was given 10 horses to choose from and he went for this one.

“Initially, he was bought for the Karaka Million, but he got shinny and we brought him here instead.

“He should have won at debut as well when Saimee rode him, and I think he hit the front too early. He was gazing around.

“Vlad (Duric) then rode him at his second start and he won. I told Saimee he would still get the ride back after Vlad leaves.”

The start of the race had Gray wondering what the nine-time champion jockey was doing when the good beginner was seen dropping back in midfield before being caught five wide for most of the way.

“I was wondering what he (Saimee) was doing. They jumped very well but he started to throw his head up and got back further than I wanted,” he said.

“I have to say he did a good job to win from where he was, especially as most horses have not been winning from there lately.

“He won like a good thing. He’s a really lovely horse and should get the 1400m without any problem.”

Gray said that he was glad 2011, a year which had not brought much joy from both a professional and personal viewpoint, was drawing to an end.

“I lost a lot of good horses during the year, and many were worn out and had to be replaced. The new ones need time to mature,” said Gray.

“So, I always knew it would be a tough year. Next year will be a much better year.”

Indicio a tonic win for Gray - Michael Lee

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:48:00 GMT

Indicio’s hard-fought win following a tense duel in Sunday’s $65,000 Restricted Maiden (2&3YO) Community Stakes (1200m) was in many ways indicative of the same amazing fighting spirit of his ailing trainer Stephen Gray.

Edging past longshot Dragon Spirit (Olivier Placais) only in the closing stages to score by half-a-length, Indicio, who was at his second start, landed a win which was just the tonic Gray needed after undergoing a major surgery last week.

The Kiwi handler returned home after last Friday week’s races feeling unwell in the stomach, only for the condition to worsen into the night.

Gray was then sent to Gleneagles Hospital where a hernia in his intestines was diagnosed and necessitated surgery. The burly man, who had an operation of the stomach not too long ago, luckily recovered, and was discharged from hospital yesterday.

Standing in for her husband at the winner’s circle to lead in Sunday’s winner, wife Bridget (pictured) emotionally took in the accolades, and was clearly relieved Stephen had survived the drama as her voice shook at the post-race interview.

“It’s been a hard week for Stephen and me, and luckily we have good staff behind us. Matt (Lewis) has done a wonderful job with the horses and this winner today,” said Bridget.

“This one is for Stephen and I’m sure if he’s watching at home, he’d be jumping out of his bed!”

Bridget did not fail to pay tribute to the surgery team who saved her husband’s life, urologist Dr Jimmy Beng in particular.

“I’d like to thank Dr Jimmy Beng for the wonderful work he has done on Steve. He is the one who operated on him the last time as well and has since become a family friend to us,” she said.

“He had his operation on Tuesday and they opened up his intestines where they found hernia which was blocking the bowels.

“It was stuck to some of his scar tissue from his last operation. That’s why he had a lot of food inside which he could not get rid of.

“I’m just so relieved this did not happen now as he was meant to fly to the Sales tonight.

“Anyway, thank goodness the worst is over and this win is just the tonic he needed. For a big man, Steve has a very sensitive stomach and he’ll just need to look after it now.”

Jockey Vlad Duric, the winning rider aboard Indicio, also dedicated the win to Gray.

“You can’t imagine how glad I am to be able to ride a winner for Steve today, after the week he has been through,” said the Australian jockey.

“Steve has been one my biggest supporters from Day-1 and has also become a very good friend of mine. He and Bridget are two very wonderful persons.

“This horse has a lot of potential and just kept fighting all the way to the line. The way he kept giving everything I asked of him tells me he has a bit of a future here.”

Favourite ($17) Xin Treasure (Jose Verenzuela) could only finish third after having every chance in the running.

Indicio ($19), which means sign in Spanish, is a three-year-old by Ishiguru out of the Unbridled’s Song dam Blazing Bridles and cost NZ$170,000 as a yearling when purchased by Masa Otani of Big Valley Stable.

Double Ransom showing staying promise - Craig Brennan

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:02:00 GMT

Lightly-raced Double Ransom looks a promising stayer in the making after taking out the $55,000 Class 4 Stakes over 1700m on the Polytrack on Friday night.

Giving jockey Vlad Duric a winning double(having scored in the opening race aboard Jack), Double Ransom scored by a length-and-a-half over Bowie Knife (Subramaniam Anandan) with Long Haul (Joao Moreira) a nose away third.

Double Ransom broke his maiden status when successful over 1600m in an Initiation Stakes on September 25 before running second behind stablemate Bay Of Island in Class 4 grade over 1600m on October 7.

Trainer Stephen Gray said the gelding possibly should have won at his last three outings after a wide draw counted against him last time.

“He’s starting to prove himself to be a pretty handy stayer,” said Gray.

“He’s certainly showing ability on the Polytrack but I think he’ll carry the form over to the turf as well.

“He looks as though he’ll get over a bit more ground and should at least get 2000m.

“He just took a little time to find his right distance range, but he’s getting stronger all the time and hopefully he’ll be able to find another win or two.”

Gray also quipped that it was nice to win a race for the owner – a horse he owns himself.

“He’s the best owner in the stable and is always in need of the money,” joked Gray.

Double Ransom was given plenty of time to settle in the run, settling in last third of the field.

He tracked up to be within four lengths of the leaders turning for home but was held-up in traffic.

Duric was able to get the gelding to the outside where he showed a good turn of foot, wearing down his rivals with 100m to run and going on to score a comfortable win.

A four-year-old New Zealand bred by Hansome Ransom from the Stravinsky mare Excerpts, Double Ransom landed his second win from eight starts and took his prizemoney to around $75,000 for Gray.

Gray soldiers on with Double Ransom - Michael Lee

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 09:02:00 GMT

Just like Double Ransom who overcame a sluggish start to cruise home an impressive winner in the $65,000 Initiation National Orchid Garden Stakes (1600m), trainer Stephen Gray hopes he can make amends on his recent lean times and end the season with a flourish.

The New Zealander said that the 2011 season was by his own admission not one of his best, but philosophically takes it in his stride as part and parcel of running a horse racing stable.

“The war took five years to win. We can’t win every battle,” he said as he led in winner No 27, which is about 10 off his mark at this juncture last year.

“Unlike the big stables, we don’t have the numbers and we have to look after our soldiers, you know.

“The new ones are starting to come to hand and I think our last three months will be super.

“We were unlucky to have lost a few good ones too. Given Vision (two-Leg winner of the 2009 Singapore Three-Year-Old Challenge) was coming back nicely but he met with problems with his legs again.”

Gray, who finished ninth on the 2010 Singapore trainer’s premiership on 41 wins, said Double Ransom was no “superstar” and will probably make the grade up to Class 4 level.

“The Handsome Ransoms seem to do well in Singapore. He’s also out of a Stravinsky mare and I paid some money to get him from Paul Richards in New Zealand,” said Gray.

“He goes okay but it was not really a strong race today. I think he can become a good Class 4 stayer - that’s about his limit.

“I’m just happy he won today because when he missed the kick, I thought his chances were gone. It’s good for the owners to pick up some good prize money too.”

Sporting Gray’s familiar blue and yellow Copper Belt Racing colours, Double Ransom was indeed off to a tardy getaway, but under a patient ride from jockey Vlad Duric, he slowly made ground to move within striking distance by the home turn.

The four-year-old gelding quickly reeled in tearaway leader Bungae (Ronnie Stewart) to hit the front at the 300m before racing away to post a 2 ¾-length victory. Testa Rossa three-year-old Bungae showed vast signs of improvement from his two previous unplaced runs to hold on for second with Commanche (Benny Woodworth) plugging on for third another length away.

Well backed at $23, Double Ransom ran the 1600m on Polytrack in 1min 40.59secs. Hot favourite New Friends (John Powell) never threatened at any stage to run a disappointing sixth, more than eight lengths off the winner.

Duric said he had to think quickly on his feet when Double Ransom missed the start.

“A horse was playing up next to him and he didn’t get himself composed to jump on terms,” said Duric, who is a clear second on the jockey’s log on 70 winners, daylight behind Joao Moreira, and 10 winners clear of third-placed Barend Vorster.

“I wanted to go forward, and after he missed the kick, I had to think of Plan B and ride him quiet instead.

“When he got to the front, he was looking around a bit but he did a good job to put the race away in the end.”

Ernie to resume this Friday - Michael Lee

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 11:50:00 GMT

Ernie Harris, one of the exciting three-year-old finds to have hit the ground running before August 1, makes his much-awaited racing comeback this Friday.

Now a four-year-old, the lightly-raced gelding was even earmarked by trainer Stephen Gray for a shot at the Singapore Three-Year-Old Challenge after scoring his second win from as many starts (both on Polytrack) on January 28, albeit in a modest Graduation race.

But an ordinary turn in a similar Graduation race over 1000m just over a month later and a run of rotten luck were to scuttle such lofty plans for the New Zealand-bred.

The Kiwi trainer decided the son of Castledale was a bit “sour” and a break away from the rigours of racing would do him a power of good and readied just in time for the first Leg of the 3YO series - the Singapore Three-Year-Old Sprint (1200m) on April 1.

Unfortunately, Ernie Harris, who is named after Gray’s maternal grandfather and whom he races himself in partnership with Stanley Chu, was beset by a “nightmarish” litany of woes that put him on the outer for even longer.

“After he lost at his third start, I thought he had had enough and needed a break,” said Gray.

“The plan was to spell him for a month and bring him back, but then he had a nasty virus. That effectively put him out of action for another month and pretty much ruled him out of the 3YO series.

“Then, we nursed him back and he was coming along nicely until he got a foot abscess. It’s been nightmare after nightmare with this horse.”

Gray said that the time away has actually been a blessing in disguise in terms of cooling off his hot head.

“He was a real handful at the beginning. On his debut, he reared up and actually dumped Vlad (Duric) on the way to the barriers,” said Gray.

“But he’s a lot more settled now. That’s the thing about talented horses – you just need to be patient with them.

“They have the quality and when they run into problems, you just have to bide your time until they come right.”

Gray has put Ernie Harris through two barrier trials as the last finishing touches before putting a racing saddle back on him in the $55,000 Class 4 race over 1100m on Polytrack this Friday.

“He’s come back in good order and I will see how he goes this Friday,” said Gray who is currently holidaying in New Zealand with his family before heading back on Friday itself on time to see his charges race that night.

“I actually wanted him to race over grass but I had no choice but to put him in a Polytrack race.”

Drawn in barrier No 5, Ernie Harris will be ridden by Vlad Duric and will count impressive debut winner Birthday Gift as one of his most serious opponents.

“I don’t really know much about the field as I haven’t really seen the card. All I am hoping is a good run from him and we’ll take it from there,” said Gray.

“I think he will get better over more ground – a mile, easy. But for now, I just want him to show he has overcome his problems and hopefully pick up where he left off.”

Holiday buy keeps gaining Power - Michael Lee

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 11:44:00 GMT

A holiday in South Island last year turned out to be a pretty fruitful shopping trip from a business perspective for trainer Stephen Gray – a two-time winner from four starts named Ninetyfive Power.

While holidaying in the popular New Zealand area, the Kiwi conditioner spotted a chestnut two-year-old in a paddock and took a shine to him instantly. When he enquired who owned him, it turned out to be South Island owner-trainer Brian Court.

After befriending the trainer and seeing a video of the gelding’s trial, Gray rang his good friend Mr Chong of Ninetyfive Emperor fame and asked him if he was interested to buy the horse. Mr Chong trusted Gray’s instincts and the deal was sealed.

Named Ninetyfive Power, the Ishiguru three-year-old proved Gray right by showing ability on the training tracks – which was quickly translated on raceday into forward runs.

First-up, he ran a nose second to Asanti before failing to fire in the rain-affected track at his next start. He was ridden by Glen Boss on both occasions.

Third-up, Joao Moreira took over the reins and the new combination paid instant dividends. Well rated in front for a change of tactics, Ninetyfive Power made every post a winning one in a Restricted Maiden race over 1200m, defeating the promising Grand Wood Park by half-a-length.

Moreira stayed aboard at his next assignment, Friday’s $65,000 Novice race over 1200m, and though they broke from the inside gate this time, they decided to take a sit this time, allowing No Respite (John Powell) to take up proceedings with Super Jetset (V Sivan) second one off the fence.

No Respite lived up to his name turning for home and kept racing away at a strong tempo, but Ninetyfive Power, who had been angled out for his run, was issuing a stern attack at the 300m.

No Respite put up a stiff resistance but Gray’s ward kept chipping away to finally get the upperhand by a head on the line. Two-year-old Dash For Win (Ronnie Stewart), a former winner of one of the seven Legs of the Singapore Golden Horseshoe series, finished pleasingly for third another two lengths away. The winning time was 1min 23.47secs.

“Nice horse. He won very well and I’m very happy for his owner Mr Chong who has been a good friend of mine for a long time – a real gentleman,” said Gray.

“I got this horse while I was on holiday in South Island. Saw him in a paddock and spoke with his owner Brian Court and after I saw his trial, I knew I had to get him.

“He’s always shown some speed in his trials and his races. He’s still very immature, but he’s done nothing wrong so far.

“He ran well at debut and didn’t like the wet track at his next run, before he got his first win.

“Tonight, he had the advantage of the inside draw and the Short Course E also helped him. He beat a very good horse in No Respite.

“I think he will become a very good Class 3 horse and will probably get better over more ground.”

Gray makes presence felt with sole runner - Michael Lee

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 11:20:00 GMT

Trainer Stephen Gray’s only Sunday runner Rocky Garden returned home a winner in the $65,000 Initiation race over 1600m.

Punted down to even-money favouritism, the rangy Fastnet Rock four-year-old sprinted away from the pack at the top of the straight to score an easy 1 ¾-length victory over Rollthedice (John Sundradas) who ran on late for second with Cape d’Or (John Powell) third another ¾ length away.

The winning time was 1min 37.02secs.

Rocky Garden has finally opened his account at his seventh start, after registering two thirds as his best showing thus far. Sporting blinkers for the first time and partnered by jockey Vlad Duric – also for the first time - the Celine Stable-owned galloper was a lot more forward than running in his customary rearward position.

Tracking up Rapid Rewards (Joao Moreira) from the jump, Rocky Garden drew level with the rapidly weakening leader upon straightening before drawing clear for a decisive break at the 300m. Cape D’Or gave chase in vain and it was eventually outsider Rollthedice who produced the run of the race to grab second right on the line.

Duric said he found himself in a more forward position than he had anticipated but as his mount was up against a mediocre lot, he was never too concerned by the change of plans.

“I rode him more positive with the blinkers on. I didn’t expect him to sit outside the leader,” said Duric.

“But he was son relaxed throughout I just let him roll along. He lengthened up quite well but I have to say he won in a bad race.”

Duric kept his premiership hopes alive by making back-to-back visits to the winner's circle when Merlin saluted in the next race, the $35,000 Class 5 race over 1600m.

After positioning the Dr Yeoh Kheng Chye-trained Merlin in a handy one-out one-back spot throughout, Duric went for broke on the $12 favourite at the top of the straight, steering the Rock Of Gibraltar five-year-old to a 1 ¼ length victory over Street Smart (Joseph See) with Dustin (Saifudin Ismail) third another half-a-length away.

The riding double brought Duric's score to 55 winners, 11 shy of the current leader Moreira.

Daad's The Way back in winning form - Craig Brennan

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 11:12:00 GMT

Trainer Stephen Gray wishes he had more horses like Daad’s The Way, winner of the $55,000 Class 4 Stakes over 1600m on the Polytrack on Friday night.

Ridden by Mark Ewe, Daad’s The Way scored a half-length win over Schmeichel (Barend Vorster) with Joyluck (Jose Verenzuela) running on for third, a head away.

Ewe had Daad’s The Way back beyond midfield in the early and middle stages of the race before commencing to make ground coming off the back straight.

The win also completed a treble for Duric, cementing his position in second place on the Jockey’s Premiership Table.

Gray said Kallisan had come up from New Zealand as the winner of one race from five starts and just over NZ$18,000 in prizemoney, which she had already surpassed in five Singapore starts that had yielded three minor placings.

“She’s a very good filly who came up from New Zealand but needed a bit of time to acclimatise,” said Gray.

“She had some good form as a two-year-old but she also needed to mature a bit.

“We were riding her up on the pace and she had been racing well, then we decided to ride her back and let her run on.

“She’s adaptable and after her last run we elected to give her a break. We gave her a couple of trials in blinkers and pacifiers and rode her back and that was going to be the plan today.

“But after watching the first few races that was suiting horses near the speed and on the fence we made the decision to ride her positively.

“It was a brilliant ride by Vlad who summed up the race beautifully.”

Gray got an extra thrill out of the victory for longterm clients King George Stable whose principles are Paul Hickman and Doug King.

“They are very good friends and we have been through a lot together over the years,” said Gray.

“There have been some trying times with some bad luck along the way, so hopefully this is the turning point for some success.

“They’ve got a few horses down in New Zealand that will be on their way up soon, so hopefully there will be a few more winners coming there way.”

Kallisan is a three-year-old daughter of Stratum from the Volksraad mare Eloa and her victory on Sunday took her prizemoney to around $60,000 since her arrival in Singapore.

Adaptable Kallisan holds on for narrow win - Craig Brennan

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 11:20:00 GMT

Trainer Stephen Gray said it was the intention to ride the New Zealand-bred filly back in the field, but a good draw and with racing conditions suiting those on the speed a change in tactics paved the way to success.

Ridden by Vlad Duric, Kallisan tracked the leader Blue Seven (Jose Vernzuela) to the turn before taking over and holding on for a short-head victory over One More Minute (Matt Kellady) with Sulmona (Barend Vorster) a length-and-a-quarter away third.

The win also completed a treble for Duric, cementing his position in second place on the Jockey’s Premiership Table.

Gray said Kallisan had come up from New Zealand as the winner of one race from five starts and just over NZ$18,000 in prizemoney, which she had already surpassed in five Singapore starts that had yielded three minor placings.

“She’s a very good filly who came up from New Zealand but needed a bit of time to acclimatise,” said Gray.

“She had some good form as a two-year-old but she also needed to mature a bit.

“We were riding her up on the pace and she had been racing well, then we decided to ride her back and let her run on.

“She’s adaptable and after her last run we elected to give her a break. We gave her a couple of trials in blinkers and pacifiers and rode her back and that was going to be the plan today.

“But after watching the first few races that was suiting horses near the speed and on the fence we made the decision to ride her positively.

“It was a brilliant ride by Vlad who summed up the race beautifully.”

Gray got an extra thrill out of the victory for longterm clients King George Stable whose principles are Paul Hickman and Doug King.

“They are very good friends and we have been through a lot together over the years,” said Gray.

“There have been some trying times with some bad luck along the way, so hopefully this is the turning point for some success.

“They’ve got a few horses down in New Zealand that will be on their way up soon, so hopefully there will be a few more winners coming there way.”

Kallisan is a three-year-old daughter of Stratum from the Volksraad mare Eloa and her victory on Sunday took her prizemoney to around $60,000 since her arrival in Singapore.