Tan Aims Maximus At Seoul
Trainer Alwin Tan’s decision to apply blinkers to Seoul-bound Maximus is a sound move after the chestnut bolted up by more than eight lengths at the trials.
Maximus’ trial time of 1:00.16 was the fastest of the morning by six lengths, but the former champion trainer was somewhat surprised by the scintillating showing.
Seoul’s deep, unforgiving sand track can be a brutal surface for horses that lack the tactical speed to race handy, with horses often returning to scale plastered in the yellowish-white substance so Maximus will do himself a lot of favours should he be able to find a forward position in the running.
Maximus, who is Singapore’s only runner at this year’s Korea Racing Authority International Races, will contest the 1 billion Won ($1.2 million) Group 1 Keeneland Korea Cup (1800m) on September 9, and is booked to leave for Seoul on August 30 while Tan will be flying out the following week on September 6.
Credit: Ritesh Jamkhedkar ritesh.jamkhedkar@secretariatsworld.com