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 Victorian
rider Matthew Pumpa did not wait too long to be back in the
winner’s circle. Riding Promise Me Gold for inform trainer
Steven Burridge in the $65,000 Restricted Maiden (2 & 3YO) over
1200m, the 23-year-old showed he had not lost an ounce of the
skills that made him a much sought-after rider in 2004 and 2005.
Promise Me Gold trained by Burridge gives a smiling Matthew
Pumpa winner No 1 for 2007 (photo by Jo Adams)
Newcomer and favourite Kiwijazz (Ronnie Stewart) broke well to
lead the 11-horse field following the late scratching of Lim’s
Adventure (Terry Ong) who was pulled out after he smashed
through his gates before the start.
Promise Me Gold had yet to run a place in three starts, was
about two lengths behind, fifth on the outside of Recliner
(Garnet de Souza), but with cover.
Kiwijazz greeted the judge first but was hard pressed to pick up
the pace despite Stewart’s desperate exertion. At that moment
Giant Eightlegged (S Anandan) looked the part as he crept up on
Kiwijazz’s outside and started to draw away.
But Pumpa had also brought Promise Me Gold forward in the
middle with hardly a nudge. Once he produced the whip, the issue
was quickly put beyond doubt as the nicely-named son of Made Of
Gold opened up to win by 4 ¼ lengths with Giant Eightlegged
staying on for second, while Kiwijazz (third) will surely
improve from that first run.
“The race panned out as planned. We had cover and into the
straight he did pull a little bit once he got into the lead, but
he was always travelling like a winner,” said Pumpa who was
better remembered for his win aboard John Meagher’s Recast in
the Group 2 EW Barker Trophy in 2005.
“I’m glad to be back in Singapore. Things are pretty much the
same and it’s an advantage for me as I know all about the
place,” he said.
“Competition here is always tough but it gives you the chance to
ride against some of the best riders in the world. Hopefully I
do well and get a chance to stay a bit longer.”
Burridge was more than happy at the win of the three-year-old.
"He's still very green and has a lot to learn, but he's getting
there and there's no need to rush him.
"He worked really well on Tuesday and he had trialled well so I
think he's got a bit of ability."
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