Hoping to Strike it Lucky

The Singapore Turf Club reports:

Rising three-year-old My Lucky Strike is facing his biggest test thus far as he takes on much better opposition in the Kranji Stakes A race (1000m) on Friday.

The lightly-raced Mark Walker-trained gelding quickly climbed up the ranks following an outstanding record of five wins in just six starts here, especially at his last outing in the Kranji Stakes C race (1000m) on June 14 when he scored a dominant win by four and  half lengths.

However, the current leading trainer admitted that it would not be an easy feat for My Lucky Strike this time as he will be running against Group race material.

“This is the biggest test for him so far as the field consists of some very good and proven horses,” said the Kiwi handler. “He is a young horse with loads of potential and he went through the grades pretty quickly. So I hope his ability would make up for the inexperience.”

My Lucky Strike winning on 6 February 2015 with Manoel Nunes onboard.

With only 52kg on his back, Walker intends to make full use of it but he is praying for a low draw for the son of Charge Forward as well as an unhindered run.

"The light weight is an advantage but besides that, we just have to hope that he will get a good draw and no bad luck happens to him in the race,” said Walker.

Champion jockey Manoel Nunes who rode him to two wins in three rides agreed with Walker that the field was a concern but with the light weight on his back, he hoped it would give him an edge over his rivals.

“I am excited to see how he will run on Friday night as it's his first try at that level but looking at the way he ran at his last start, he shouldn't have many problems,” said the Brazilian jockey. “But still, the field is a concern as there are very good horses competing and he's a young horse.

“He's quite professional but my competitors have experience on their side, like Cavallo who has a strong finish and if the pace suits, he will pose a danger to me but 1000m might be a little sharp for him.

“Huka Falls will be another threat but since he's carrying 58kg on his back, I hope the light weight will give me an advantage over him.”

Nunes was full of praise about My Lucky Strike's versatility which makes it easier for him to decide on how to ride him best, though the running tactics will still largely boil down to the barrier draw and the complexion of the race.

“My horse has a very good turn of foot. He's very straightforward and flexible as he can come from the back or from the front, it all depends on the gate and the pace,” said the current runaway leader on the Singapore jockey's log.

“As he is still a young horse, he will keep improving after each run and I believe his performance will be better than at his last win, which was very impressive.”

However, Walker was not counting his chickens yet as he planned to take it easy with the promising Lucky Stable-owned galloper.

“We will see how he performs in Group 1 company and I will discuss with Mr Richard See, the manager of Lucky Stable regarding his future,” said Walker.

“But at the moment, we are just taking it one step at a time which is why there aren't any plans for him in the upcoming big races.”