Clive Lawrence, groom of Horse-of-the-Year Typewriter, says after his charge’s back-to-back Superstakes (2013 – 2014) that it would be huge if Typewriter completes a third consecutive victory in the prestigious event, this year sponsored by Burger King.

“It was a great feeling to win a big race like the Superstakes. It is every groom’s dream at Caymanas Park to win a Derby or a Superstakes and for me to accomplish them both is just wonderful and amazing as those races are very hard to win,” Lawrence said.

“To win the Superstakes three times in a row would mean a lot of things; it would be huge for us, it would cement Typewriter’s name in the history books and it would boost our careers as well. It would mean the world to me.

“This year Typewriter’s chances of repeating are very good, and I am looking forward to a big performance from him as he knows when to run when it matters the most. If he stays sound and thing, I will be aiming to win four in a row with him but he has to win next week first. He is the horse to beat this year; they (other horses) will have to run better than their best to beat him,” Lawrence said brimming with confidence.

Of the two Superstakes that Typewriter has triumphed in, Lawrence says that he considers the victory in 2014 to be the better one.

“Typewriter stamped his class and talent in winning the Superstakes on two occasions — in 2013 and 2014. Of the two, the second one was a better standard as he won by all of nine-and-a-half lengths and it was also a sweeter victory for me. The first win was great as it was my first Superstakes win, but the second one was a more accomplished one,” Lawrence affirmed.

Lawrence, who has been a licensed groom for the past 16 years, said that preparing a horse for the Superstakes takes a lot more work than preparing for a normal race.

“The Superstakes is a very special event, it is the biggest event on the racing calendar as all the top horses in the land are there to compete and so as a groom you have to be on top of the game,” he said.

“You have to be on top of your horse at all times, you can’t drop your hands, not even once on him. You have to make sure you look after him the right and special way and everything has to be done properly.

“Horses are easy to get lame and thing, so you have to spend quality time looking after him, always trying to make sure the horse is at 100 per cent all the time. You have to keep focused and take good care of your horse and that is when you will get the best out of him or her,” he further explained.

“On the day of the Superstakes, I don’t leave Typewriter an inch; I don’t take anything for granted, I stay with him every step of the way. I get him ready and carry him up the track and into the paddock and lead him on to the race track,” he declared.