Rite of Spring announced himself as one of Singapore’s most promising young performers when blasting away from rivals in today’s $S65,000 New Zealand Racing Board Trophy Graduation Stakes (1200m) at Kranji.
In what was billed as a match race between two boom performers in Daniel and Rite of Spring, it was the latter that stamped himself as a dominant force when spacing his rivals before having the audacity to be geared down and win with his ears pricked. The China Horse Club owned runner had a clear two lengths on Daniel as they passed the post with the third placed War Lord a further five and a half lengths away.
The undefeated three-year-old left trainer Michael Freedman and jockey ManoelNunes understandably excited and eagerly anticipating what may be in the coming 12 months.
“[Rite of Spring] is a very promising horse. He’s right up there with what we’ve got in the stable and he’s got a great temperament to go with it as well,” Freedman told journalists post-race.
“He should be suited also with a step up in journey. He relaxes so well in his races and that helped him today.”
“I said to Manoel[Nunes] that if nothing wanted to take it up then he could go and lead and then go and put the pressure on early and get Daniel off the bit.”
“It worked out perfectly and what I liked was how strong he was to the line.”
Rite of Spring created an immediate impression when winning effortlessly on debut in August. Today the son of Stravinsky had little trouble making the transition from Polytrack to turf and gives every indication that he will be ever better when he is extended over more ground.
“He travels so well in his races and is a very nice horse to ride,” said Nunes. “He’s also got a very nice turn of foot when you ask him.
“He’s a very nice horse and should go on to win better races.”