By Alan Carasso
Chopins Fantaisie (NZ) (Pins {Aus}), the full-brother to former Hong Kong Horse of the Year Ambitious Dragon (NZ), will be without the services of the suspended Vlad Duric when he heads to the post in an open BM67 over 1400m at Kranji Racecourse Sunday afternoon. But veteran reinsman Glen Boss is only too happy to take over at the controls as Chopins Fantaisie goes in search of a fourth straight victory to begin his career.
“I'm warming the saddle for Vlad on Chopin's Fantaisie this Sunday, but it sure is an exciting horse to ride,” Boss told Michael Lee of the Singapore Turf Club. “I rode him in work last week and he's a very lovely horse. He's very unassuming and that's the mark of a good racehorse. He gives no feeling at all, he feels very plain. I like this kind of horse as they save themselves for raceday.”
Be that as it may, Chopins Fantaisie does just enough in his races while hinting that there is much more under the hood. That was very much on display when the bay gelding last faced the starter in a Class 4 over the metric seven furlongs, as he appeared to be hopelessly blocked for a run before scything through a gap and on to a stirring half-length victory (video) as the even-money favorite. Trainer Michael Clements says his charge has done well since that June 26 test and it's all systems go for the weekend.
“Glen rode him in trackwork and was happy with him,” said the Zimbabwean conditioner. “The field is not very strong and we expect him to go well.”
The gelded son of Golden Gamble (NZ) (Oregon), purchased by Clements for NZ$150,000 out of the 2015 NZB Premier Yearling Sale, has drawn barrier three in a field of 13. Post time for the afternoon's eighth race is 4.30 local time.
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