Tolson-Proctor’s Well Sprung beats injury for Flemington win
Trainer Lyn Tolson is hopeful Well Sprung is ready to realise his potential, after overcoming two major surgeries to win the Singapore Turf Club Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on Saturday.
Connections of Well Sprung were beginning to doubt the four year old after a disappointing showing in the Group 1 Rupert Clarke Stakes last September and several equally as bad follow ups, but throat surgery and the decision to geld the son of Star Witness has seen a change in fortune.
Tolson, who trains in partnership with Leonie Proctor at Mornington, said Well Sprung was suited to a mile but they would monitor the recovery before making a decision about the horse’s future.
“We always thought he’d be a nice miler – he’s had a throat operation – so as a colt he used to get himself quite revved up so we’ll just see how he goes,” she said.
“I do think he could easily do the 1600m but it just depends on the throat.
“He is gelded now too and that helps and it’s his second run as a gelding.
“As a colt and a stallion he just wasn’t putting it all together – what we were expecting.”
It was another fantastic ride from young jockey Ben Allen, who managed to get $9.50 chance (with Crownbet.com.au) to settle beautifully, while Boomwaa ($10) and Chris Symons made sure the field travelled at a good clip up front.
The first three was rounded out by Kirana ($9) after they built a sizeable lead in the straight over the remainder of the field. Allen said he was conscious of the horse’s health problems throughout the ride.
“The first step was to get him to relax so his breathing doesn’t bother him,” Allen said,
“Once we were able to peel out he gave a really good kick but I thought the leaders would kick to win but he really dug in deep.
Allen produced the ride of the night on Friday night to win onboard Brugal Reward at Moonee Valley, with the hoop lamenting his recent form after that ride.