The Steven Burridge-trained Trigger Express flew the flag for Singapore in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday when successful in the Malaysian Group 1 Piala Emas Sultan Selangor over 2000m.

Starting from an outside draw in the 15 horse field, Trigger Express, ridden by Din Azis, scored by one-and-a-quarter lengths over Free Spirit (Noel Callow) with Kiko’s Return (Saimee Jumaat) the same margin away in third place.

Burridge said the wide barrier draw didn’t concern him too much prior to the race as the roomy Selangor track had a long run before the first turn.

He said his major concern was that there didn’t appear a lot of early pace, but those fears were soon erased as the field went a long at a steady clip.

Din Azis was able to find cover three deep aboard Trigger Express in a midfield position before getting shuffled back nearing the hometurn and Burridge admitted to concerns at that point.

“I was pretty happy with where he was in the run but he just got shuffled back a bit coming to the turn,” said Burridge. “They then sprinted and got away from him a bit early in the straight.

“But I knew he’d keep coming. He’s a pretty handy stayer and that’s what won him the race,” he said.

Burridge had to use his persuasive powers to get Trigger Express to Kuala Lumpur for the Piala Emas Sultan Selangor as the gelding had been knocked from ‘pillar to post’ when ninth in the Malaysian Group 1 Penang Gold Cup over 2200m last December.

“Full marks to the owner Raynor Lee,” said Burridge. “It was good of him to let me take the horse up to Selangor.

“I told him Selangor was a nice big track which would suit him well. He wasn’t too keen after his run in the Penang Gold Cup, but he listened to my advice and he’s good in that respect.”

Trigger Express has had a profitable campaign since resuming in February where he was able to salute first-up over 1800m before progressing to his most important victory, the Group 2 Queen Elizabeth II Cup over 2000m on April 20.

Trigger Express and Eric Legrix after landing the Group 2 QEII Cup in April.
　

Burridge said Trigger Express would have a break – he must do a two week quarantine stint – before returning to work where the trainer said he was likely to be restricted to a weight-for-age program.

“My fear is that his rating points will see him get too much weight in his races now,” said Burridge. “We may have to keep him to a weight-for-age program now.

“The Jumbo Jet in early September will probably be too soon, so we may look at kicking off in the Kranji Mile (on October 19) first-up and then go to the Raffles Cup (on November 9).

“He’s performed well for me at the ‘mile’ previously but I just think that now he’s getting older he might be looking for further.

“With that in mind we’ll probably have to have another go at the Singapore Gold Cup (on November 30), but that will all depend on what weight he gets.”

Trigger Express finished sixth in the 2200m contest last year behind Recast, carrying just 50kg, but his form since has seen him notch four victories.

On Sunday, Trigger Express collected his tenth win in 50 starts. He has accumulated S$825,000 in Singapore with a further M$544,500 for his Piala Emas Sultan Selangor victory.