Nandowra Bags Feature Double for Freedman

CRAIG BRENNAN, SINGAPORE TURF CLUB: Trainer Michael Freedman collected a feature race double when the Savabeel 4YO Nandowra took out the Group 3 $200,000 JBBA Moonbeam Vase over 1800m on Sunday.

Freedman had previously scored in the Group 3 Kranji Sprint over 1200m with all-the-way victor Mr Big and Nandowra won the Moonbeam Vase under similar circumstances.

Ridden by visiting Melbourne jockey Craig Williams, Nandowra prevailed despite at one point being headed to win by a head over Silveron Wings (Ivaldo Santana) with Chase Me (Jose Verenzuela) a short-head away third.

Freedman said the Waikato Stud-bred gelding would now have a break before being prepared for the Group 1 Emirates Singapore Derby over 2000m in July.

“I was keen to try him over a bit of ground on the turf and he’s come through it well,” said Freedman.

“He’ll go and have a let-up now and we’ll look towards the Derby with him in July.

“Even though he’s a four-year-old he’s still learning what racing is all about and when he finally puts it altogether I think he might be a handy stayer of the future.”

Williams – who rode Ortensia to victory in the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint over 1000m on Dubai World Cup night, said he was lucky enough to get the phone call to come-up to Singapore and ride Masthead, which finished third behind Mr Big in the Kranji Sprint, and then land the money aboard Nandowra.

“I think he’s going to really eat up the Derby distance and if Michael has him at the top of his form for that race then he’s going to run a great race.”

Nandowra has proved to be a model of consistency since beginning his racing career in Singapore 14 months ago.

A four-year-old by Savabeel from the O’Reilly mare Fabaz, Nandowra has won seven of his 14 starts with a further four minor placings and Sunday’s victory took his prizemoney earnings past the $460,000 mark for the Results Stable.