BLACKBUCK EARNS FIRST VICTORY

Hard to topple when in front, trainer Lim’s 3Y0 is clearly one for the blackbook’

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Trainer Richard Lim said that Blackbuck owed his first win to all the right ingredients coming into the mix at his sixth Kranji start on April 6.

The speedy Winning Rupert three-year-old had been knocking on the door following two close thirds at his last two starts.

When he drew barrier No. 1 in the $75,000 Restricted Maiden race (1,100m), Lim's confidence grew a notch or two.

Save for his debut, when he was still green, Blackbuck has always managed to settle among the first few.

It also helped his cause that the other noted speedster in the 12horse field, Big Max (Bruno Queiroz) drew out in 11, although favourite Lucky Goal (Manoel Nunes) is equally nippy, and was jumping from a better alley in three.

Blackbuck ($18) duly landed in front for apprentice jockey Faiz Khair. But, in the end, it was newcomer Lucky Warrior (Ryan Curatolo) who came matching motors with him.

The question whether Blackbuck would absorb the pressure better this time was soon answered when the duelling pair straightened up for the judge.