The ‘Don’ rules
In a candid interview, veteran conditioner Patrick Fong said he had to take a good look at his charge Wong Don over the last two months or so in order to correct a problem his horse was experiencing.
Fong’s comments came after Wong Don won the fifth running of the O&S Tack Room Trophy feature last Saturday — his fourth victory for the season.
After some close misses, Wong Don finally got things right on June 24 when he won over seven furlongs (1,400m). The chestnut colt made it two straight on July 8 with victory over six-and-a-half furlongs (1,300m), before he was a disqualified winner going seven furlongs (1,400m) on July 29.
Last Saturday, Wong Don made no mistake when he romped home by five lengths going over six and a half furlongs (1,300m) under a patient and well-judged ride by apprentice Anthony Thomas.
“I am not really doing anything differently with Wong Don of late. I realised that he had a particular issue and I had to deal with it.
“After applying the solution, Wong Don responded very well, and since that time he has now won four races from four outings with one disqualified,” Fong informed The Supreme Racing Guide.
Thomas held Wong Don off the pace behind Balazo (Wesley Henry) and company at the off in the Restricted Stakes event going six-and-a-half furlongs (1,300m). The confident Thomas was patient while hugging the rails on entry to the straight, and with a clear run at the top of the straight the chestnut colt blew past his rivals, going away to win very easily in the end.
Danbury (Bebeto Harvey) was second, Runallday (O’Brien White) third, and Secret Traveller (Ameth Robles) fourth, after Balazo was disqualified from second spot and placed out of the frame. The final time was 1:19.2.
This was the second time in his career that Wong Don had gone below 1:20.0 for six and a half furlongs. On July 8, again with Thomas on board, Wong Don clocked 1:19.3.
“Good…good. The performance was very good and one that was expected. Based on his training and thing, I knew that he would win this race. I am expecting good things from him in the future as well, and I give a lot of praises to the apprentice (Thomas) for a good ride,” Fong said.
