Racing: Golden Brilliant has that winning glow

Racing: Golden Brilliant has that winning glow

Golden Brilliant served notice of his winning intentions with an mighty fine gallop at Kranji yesterday morning when he reeled off 600m in a smart time of 35.8secs.

From trainer John O'Hara's yard, the three-year-old chestnut should have already had a race win in the bag. However, a series of unfortaunate "incidents" put paid to his chances in his last two starts.

 

SECOND OUTING

On Feb 16, when having his second outing, he played up before the start, dislodged his rider, David Flores, and had to be examined by the vet before being allowed to participate in that Weight-For-Age sprint over the 1,100m.

As if that bit of pre-race shenanigan wasn't enough to put him a little off-stride, Golden Brilliant didn't have the best of luck in the running and was held up for a run between the 500m and

400m of the sharp sprint.

It didn't do his chances any good and he eventually finished third, some one and a half lengths behind the winner, Himalaya Dragon.

Just for the record, Golden Brilliant was sent off as the $13 first favourite.

That was his second start at Kranji. Three weeks earlier, on debut, he again didn't get any favours in the running.

Contesting a maiden over the 1,100m, he drew the disadvantageous marble nine in that 12-horse field and, subsequently, had to race wide throughout. To compound matters, just when he was coming on in the concluding stages, he had to shift outwards to avoid the heels of the eventual winner, Mia.

He went on to take home a cheque for finishing third.

Yes, if anyone deserves a break it is this son of Mr Greeley. And he certainly gets his chance in Friday's Restricted Maiden event to be run over the 1,200m.

We reckon, the extra 100m will work to his advantage and, coupled with the good work he put in yesterday, Golden Brilliant should be able to beat this field of youngsters.

 

This article was published on April 9 in The New Paper.

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