Augustano aimed at bigger things
Singapore Three-Year-Old Challenge later this month looks tempting
The much-improved Augustano scored another barrier-to-box win on Sunday, with both trainer Lee Freedman and jockey Glen Boss saying they would prefer him to come off the pace in the future.
An all-the-way winner for Boss at his last start in a Class 3 race over 1,200m three weeks ago, the Thai-owned Hard Spun three-year-old landed in a similar spot in the $80,000 Class 3 race over Polytrack 1,100m, but more by default than anything else.
The Cliff Brown-trained Baffert was the first to show the way, but jockey Nooresh Juglall looked happy to just enjoy an economical run on the rails.
From three off the fence, Augustano, who was backed down to $16 joint-favouritism with Gran Torino, soon came matching motors on the outside, with Boss looking at least six times to his inside as they glided to the front without really working for it.
It wasn't long before he had more company. Gran Torino strode alongside within his girth, obviously not in a hurry to press on further, with jockey Olivier Placais sitting pretty and presumably waiting for the home straight to fully test his mount.
HOT PURSUIT
That scenario was indeed played out as Augustano went for broke at the top of the straight with Gran Torino in hot pursuit. But it soon became evident the son of Bel Esprit would not be gathering the leader in 300m out.
Finding another length or two once Boss gave him a squeeze, Augustano opened up a sizeable lead even as the challengers made a go for the minors.
"He was impressive at his last win, but it was not the plan to lead as I wanted him to come back for us since he was getting back in trip," Freedman revealed. "Still, it was a very good effort."
When asked if the four-time winner would be aimed at the Singapore Three-Year-Old Challenge (all three legs run on turf) which kicks off with the Group 3 Singapore Three-Year-Old Sprint over 1,200m on March 30, Freedman said he was not averse to the idea.
"He's not that effective on turf, but all the horses work on Polytrack here. He was not at his absolute best when I took him, so I won't mind taking him to the first leg," he said.
In a three-year-old crop that has yet to hatch any standouts, Augustano may not be entirely out of his depth, especially if he is made to take a seat, according to Boss.
"He is a good-looking individual. He wants to please all the time," said the jockey.
"I told Lee he's an impressive sort but he'll become more impressive when the class gets better.
" He has an amazing turn of speed which I think will be better utilised if we put him away in a race.
"When he is in front, he's one-paced, it's not ideal. Lee's got a high opinion of this horse and I'd like to see where he goes from here."
Prizemoney-wise, Augustano has recouped his initial price tag of A$110,000 (S$113,500) with close to $200,000 already collected from his four wins and two seconds.
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