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Auric Stable’s latest home-bred Just Because made a flying start to his Singapore racing career with a convincing first-up victory on Saturday.
After two barrier trials where the Shane Baertschiger-trained newcomer's getaways were tardy, he showed a much edgier side in the $75,000 Restricted Maiden race over the Polytrack 1200m.
Jumping smartly from his handy barrier, the three-year-old son of Swiss Ace out of former Kranji-based Auric mare Just Nini (one-time winner from three starts for Bruce Marsh) was placed by Danny Beasley in a striking position off the girth of stablemate Dabble (Matthew Kellady), who was overracing upfront.
The race was unfolding towards a winning debut for Just Because ($18) as Dabble's condition unsurprisingly gave out upon straightening, while he still looked all coiled up, but the well-backed Super Incredible (Mark Ewe) was looming upsides.
The Alwin Tan-trained Deep Field three-year-old's better racing experience of six runs versus none from Just Because might tip the scales in his favour, but the latter was clearly the superior conveyance as he kept pulling plenty without faltering.
At the line, he had 1 ¼ lengths to spare from Super Incredible. Baertschiger's third runner Big Green Hat (Oscar Chavez) showed his winning turn wasn't far off with a solid third another half-length away. The winning time was 1min 12.27secs for the 1200m on the all-weather.
Baertschiger was obviously pleased he had prepared another debut winner racing in those iconic red and yellow band and armbands, more so when he does have a small input when Auric's boss, long-time owner Jerry Sung picks his brains on horse mating prospects.
"Jerry's still active in breeding with his two broodmares Just Nini and Jelly Bean. I trained Jelly Bean to four wins here while Bruce had Just Nini," said Baertschiger.
"This one (Just Because) is a half-brother to Maceo as they're both out of Just Nini. He's much bigger and stronger than Maceo.
"Jerry has his mares in Kilmore Farm in New Zealand, and whenever he needs to find a stallion to serve his mares, I'll discuss with him and advise him.
"For example, I suggested he sent Just Nini to Swiss Ace as they go well here at Kranji.
"We knew Just Because had ability but his barrier manners needed to be worked on. He missed the start at his first trial by five lengths and failed the test.
"At his second trial on Tuesday, he was better even if he was still a length slow, but today, he began well.
"I just told Danny to ride him where he wanted. Dabble went too hard, I'll take the blinkers off at his next start, but the strong pace worked out well for the winner.
"Big Green Hat keeps improving, which is great."
As for Beasley, he went on to ride a race-to-race double atop First Bowl ($19) for main supporter Daniel Meagher in the Class 4 Division 2 race over 1200m on Polytrack.
The brace takes the Australian hoop to 47 winners, enabling him to narrow down the gap to seven winners on leading apprentice jockey Hakim Kamaruddin, who is serving a one-day suspension for careless riding.