Trainer Michael Freedman notched a winning double after Super Junior overcame difficulties to score in the $65,000 Novice Stakes over 1200m on the Polytrack on Friday night.
Ridden by Joao Moreira, Super Junior, $12, scored a fighting neck victory over Hot Gold (Danny Beasley) with Flag Of Command (Ivaldo Santana) three-quarters-of-a-length away third.
Super Junior began smartly but was beaten for early speed, eventually settling in third place behind Super Kenny (Barend Vorster) and Flag Of Command.
Joao Moreira drives Super Junior through the fence to defeat Hot Gold and Danny Beasley.
Coming off the back Moreira was niggling at Super Junior to keep his mind on the job and it was at this stage that Beasley on Hot Gold decided to move up three wide and challenge the leaders and at the same time putting Moreira in a pocket.
Straightening for home Super Kenny was put under pressure with Flag Of Command and Hot Gold gaining an advantage with Moreira still looking for a run.
Passing the 300m Moreira decided to dive back to the fence where he was able to drive Super Junior through a narrow gap.
The pair hit the lead with 150m to go and although Hot Gold rallied, Super Junior proved superior in the final stages.
Freedman said the gelding did a good job in landing the prize as he had raced tight over the last 200 to 300m.
“He’s wanting more ground,” said Freedman. “I said that after his first win over 1000m and I’m saying that again tonight.
“His pedigree suggests it as well, so to be winning over 1000m and 1200m at this stage of his career is a bit of a bonus.
“I thought tonight he did a really good job. He was niggled at to keep in touch with them over 1200m and I really think 1400m or 1600m is going to be ideal for him.”
Freedman has picked out the $200,000 Jubilee Stakes over 1400m on September 30 as the immediate goal for Super Junior but is unsure whether he will have another run before hand.
“I don’t know whether it will be of any benefit for him going into the race at his fourth start,” said Freedman.
“The race is still six weeks away, so if I don’t run him again then I’ll certainly have to give him a trial.
“He’s a horse that loves his tucker and he can get away from you a bit, but the way he’s going so far he looks to have a nice future here.”
Like his stablemate Super Easy – unbeaten in 11 runs in Singapore – Super Junior is by Darci Brahma.
“He’s a good young sire and I’m having a bit of luck with them,” said Freedman. “I hope the luck continues.”
Super Junior is from the Tierce mare Summary and was a NZ$100,000 purchase as a yearling. He has returned owners – Joy ‘N’ Happinness Stable (also the owners of Super Easy) almost $70,000 in prizemoney from his two starts to date.