Singapore’s champion juvenile of 2011 added another big race to his record when he led home a quality field in Sunday evening’s S$200,000 Group Three Woodlands Handicap (1200m) at Kranji.
Described by trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Stephen Baster as one of Singapore’s best, Mr Big all but booked a Hong Kong International Sprint campaign with the dominant on speed success.
Positioned near the lead throughout, Mr Big found plenty when called upon by Baster and the pair cruised to the line a length and a quarter ahead of nearest rival Speedy Cat.
Mr Big was purchased by connections for $21,000 from the draft of Yarraman Park at the 2010 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
“He’s just a marvel,” Freedman said. “He’s never finished outside the top three in 16 starts, which is an outstanding achievement.”
“Unlike what his name suggsts, he’s not exactly big, but he’s such a genuine horse and always gives his 110% every time he runs.”
“Hopefully he keeps going at that rate a little longer. He didn’t have an easy trip today, especially when the third horse came on his outside, but he’s such a bulldog and I always knew he would tough it out.”
“I will give him another couple of starts here and with a bit of luck, the long-term plan could be the Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) in December.”
Star jockey Stephen Baster completed the Aussie sweet – being aboard Mr Big is in his latest big race success.
“He had a pretty nice run throughout, but they did make him work a bit third time,” Baster said. “But he’s such a fighter and he never gives up.”
“He just kept trying his heart in the straight. He’s by far the best horse that I’ve ridden here.”
Now a four time group winner, Mr Big boasts the outstanding record of eight win and eight placings from his 16 lifetime starts.
He’s earned over S$1 million, a wonderful return on his purchase price of A$21,000 at the Gold Coast.
Bred on the Elusive Quality-Danehill cross that also produced champion juvenile Sepoy, Mr Big is from the unraced mare Basamaat.
A daughter of the Royal Ascot Queen Mary Stakes winner Shining Hour, by Danehill, Basamaat is a full sister to the winning and stakes performer Clear Impression.
Winner: Mr Big
Breeding: Elusive Quality-Basamaat (Danehill)
Race: Singapore TC Woodlands Handicap G3 (1200m)
Sold for: $21,000
Sale: 2010 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Yarraman Park (As Agent)
Buyer: Victorian Bloodstock Agency
Earnings: S$1,023,924
Owner(s): O & T Stable
Trainer: Michael Freedman (Kranji)