SINGAPORE: Pensamiento Long Range Derby Hope

Monday, 30 July 2012: Lightly-raced Pensamiento will be given a break following his strong victory in the $65,000 Brisbane Racing Club Trophy over 1400m on Sunday.

Pensamiento Photo by Singapore Turf Club

Ridden by Stephen Baster, Pensamiento , $80, finished strongly on the rails to record a three-quarter length victory over stablemate Tavan Bogd  (John Powell) with World War  (Joao Moreira) two-and-a-quarter lengths back in third place.

Trainer Steven Burridge said Pensamiento, about to turn four, would be given every opportunity to develop into an Emirates Singapore Derby contender next July.

“He's a big baby but he was very impressive winning today,” said Burridge.

“That's two in a row for him now and it took him a long time to win last time.

“When he came up with barrier 13 today we elected to ride him for luck, but early in the race I thought Stephen might have overdone it a bit.

“We'll give him a break now. He's still got some growing to do and I think in 12 months he'll be a really nice horse and come Derby time I expect him to be there.”

Burridge revealed that Masa Otani, of Big Valley Stable, had purchased the gelding with the Derby in mind.

“The owner is in Japan at the moment and is over the moon with the win,” said Burridge.

“He bought the horse with the Derby in mind. We'll give him every chance to get there.”

Baster said Pensamiento was still very green and would learn a lot from the victory.

“Early in the race all he wanted to do was to run away from them,” said Baster.

“I then decided to bring him back behind them and he concentrated a lot more.

“He's a horse that keeps improving and it was quite a soft win on the line.

“I have no doubt that he will keep learning and when he gets up over a bit more ground he will be even better off.”

A three-year-old Australian-bred by Fusaichi Pegasus  from the Sunday Silence mare Robin's Nest, Pensamiento has now won two of his four starts and won almost $70,000 for connections.