Bakeel all set to go two better

Champion jockey Manoel Nunes is confident Bakeel will go closer in the $150,000 Group 2 Singapore Three-Year-Old Classic (1,400m) on April 27.

The Brazilian always felt 1,400m to 1,600m were more up the alley of the son of Sioux Nation, but was still not disappointed with his last-start third to Ace Of Diamonds in the Group 3 Singapore Three-Year-Old Sprint (1,200m) on April 6.

Sent off as the second favourite, the Steven Burridge-trained galloper had to settle last from his widest alley in nine.

That was not a major concern given his come-from-behind racing pattern, but Murphy’s law kicked in.

“Things didn’t work out for him that day,” said Nunes.

“At the first turn before going into the backstraight, we got checked when (Ryan) Curatolo’s horse (Last Supper) cut in.

“I was trying to stay on the back of Ace Of Diamonds, but I got further back than I wanted.

“He was also off the bridle. That’s why I had to go around off the back, and whack him so as not to lose contact.”

As a result, that early mid-race move saw the two-time winner (1,200m to 1,400m) flushed out four wide in a compact field, with the short course C compounding matters further.

“The short course C made it even harder for backmarkers,” said Nunes.

“He’s also still a big baby. He needs more runs to improve.”

The Al-Arabiya Stable-owned galloper had a clear run to the line from the top of the straight, but he could not muster his usual kick.

Under Nunes’ thrust, Bakeel dug his heels in, bravely lunging at the line to beat Last Supper out of the trifecta by a head.

“I was still happy with the run. He has come out of it very well,” said Nunes.

“I ride him every morning, teach him how to switch leads. He galloped very well on Tuesday morning.

“But he’s still a late-maturing sort. We try to get the best gear for him, but it doesn’t always work.

“We put the blinkers on last start because he doesn’t concentrate. But when I pulled the whip to the right, he went in, and when I changed to the left, he rolled out.

“So, we’re taking off the blinkers and putting winkers back on. He won with winkers in the Novice race at his second-last run.”

Besides the extra 200m, the five-time Singapore champion jockey is also hoping to hold an “ace” up his sleeve this time.

Bakeel’s barrier No. 6 is not just better than No. 9, but it may afford them a tactical advantage.

“This time, Ace Of Diamonds is drawn to our outside (in No. 8). Hopefully I can make him work a bit harder,” said Nunes.

“It’s still an open field. I respect all of them, especially Ace Of Diamonds, but also Strike Gold, who put in a big run (fifth in the Sprint), Artillery (second), who has drawn a good barrier (No. 3).

“My horse is also in good shape and will get better over more ground, but the 1,400m will also suit him.”

Another Al-Arabiya Stable ward will also step out on April 27, former boom three-year-old Ejaz in the $70,000 Class 3 race (1,200m).

But, in the Street Boss four-year-old’s case, connections had to go back to the drawing board after a fourth and last place this prep.

Nunes, however, said the four-time winner had excuses – the firm underfoot conditions.

“He ran so well at his first run with Ronnie Stewart, but he disappointed when I rode him next,” said Nunes.

“He wasn’t comfortable on the hard ground. We must not forget Ejaz has a screw in his knee.

“He was off the bridle. We should ignore that run over 1,400m.

“I told Steve we should put him back over 1,200m and throw blinkers on. He wore them in a trial (April 16) and won well.

“His gallop last Tuesday was also very good. He’s improved, he can’t go worse than last time.”

Nunes also steered the Al-Arabiya’s flagship Makin in a barrier trial on April 25, coming through with a win over stablemate Cavalry (Bruno Queiroz).

The four-time winner by Written Tycoon still has around six weeks before his big date in the Group 3 Silver Bowl (1,400m) on June 9.

In the meantime, Burridge has picked a perfect lead-up race, a Class 2 (1,600m) on May 4.

“Makin is in great shape, he’ll run next week. He’s getting stronger and stronger,” Nunes said.

“Last time, (former trainer) Michael Clements always used his boys to ride his horses. So, I couldn’t ride (Al-Arabiya’s) Mansoor’s (Gandhi) horses.

“But since they’ve moved to Steve, I can ride them every day, like Makin. He was still a baby, but after I’ve worked him over two laps, he’s all muscle now.”

manyan@sph.com.sg