TAN THE MAN AT BARRIER TRIALS

Low-profile trainer makes presence felt with Single Warrior, Big Union at morning hit-outs

- Michael Lee

Race days are usually a low-key affair for Jerome Tan, but the May 2 barrier trials saw two of his horses hog the limelight.

Single Warrior and newcomer Big Union took out the first two heats from the three trials at that quiet Kranji morning session.

Tan had no runner in the third, which was won by David Kok's Pacific Dream.

In his usual unassuming style, the Singaporean trainer was not reading too much into wins or 100 per cent strike rates that do not alter his bottom line.

"They are just trials," he said.

Among the 16 trainers left, Tan currently holds the second-lowest win percentage at 4.8 per cent - six winners from 126 runners.

One of them, Tantheman, brought up his 100th Singapore win on March 9, and in his sixth season.

Currently in Macau, Tan is not expecting fireworks, let alone further milestones from his stable of 18 horses mostly Class 4 and 5 dwellers in the five months left before racing shuts down on Oct 5.

Every win is a bonus, but he was still pleased his patience was showing results, even in mock races especially for Single Warrior.