Trainer Lorne Kirlew says Lasix made a big difference, looking at travelling to Trinidad

After his pulsating victory in the 2,000 Guineas on Saturday last, Talented Tony K will probably hit the track next in the second week of June when the Blue Riband, Jamaica Derby will be contested.

That is the thinking of trainer Lorne Kirlew when he spoke with the Complete Racing Guide yesterday.

“At present the plan is for Talented Tony K to race next in the Derby. I don’t want to run him too often and with the Governor’s Cup a handicap event in which he will be given away weigh to all, the logical option is just to prepare him the best I can to run in the Derby, which is going to be a very stern test over a mile and a half,” Kirlew who was winning his first Classic said.

The winning Classic trainer said the connections of Talented Tony K and himself have been discussing the possibility of going to Trinidad and Tobago to run in that country’s Derby.

“It is a distinct possibility and something which we are looking at very closely at this time. However, I want to stress that no firm decision has been taken as to whether we are going to Trinidad or not. Others like Mr Lover Lover and Terremoto have made the trip successfully, so it is a distinct possibility,” Kirlew said.

Reflecting on the victory in the 2,000 Guineas, Kirlew is of the view that the performance of Talented Tony K was significantly influenced by the colt’s first-time use of Lasix. “Without doubt Lasix had a very positive effect on the victory by Talented Tony K. Just to note that thus far in my short career as a trainer every time that I have a horse racing for the first time on Lasix they have all won. I remember quite vividly, Richie’shappynotion, Sheza Boss Lady who ran an excellent time after using Lasix for the first time and now Talented Tony K. Just food for thought but it is a good trend.”

And with news circulating in racing circles that the jockey who guided Talented Tony K to victory in the 2,000 Guineas, Omar Walker, will be going off to Canada later this month to continue his professional career, Kirlew is not worried about finding a replacement.

“Omar (Walker) and I have been very close over the years. He has made a decision to develop his riding skills abroad which in my opinion is a very good move and one which will help him to develop as a jockey. I sincerely wish for Omar, all the best and that he returns to Caymanas even better than he is right now. That having been said, I have to think about the owners of Talented Tony K, and my task now is to find a suitable replacement rider.

“I am looking at this time no further than Shane Ellis. Ellis is quite familiar with Talented Tony K and in fact has worked him several times in the past. It was Ellis after working him one morning who pointed out to me a problem with the horse which I worked on. So for now it will be Shane Ellis if Omar Walker is not around,” Kirlew said.