Nuclear Flight turns the screws on Another Vigorous
Following Nuclear Flight’s sweet revenge against Another Vigorous in a Restricted Stakes event on Saturday, former champion jockey Wesley “Callaloo” Henry believes the improving filly can reach the top grade in racing.
Nuclear Flight, owned by Michros and trained by Gary Subratie, went down by over four lengths to Another Vigorous going five furlongs (1,000m) on the round course on August 18.
Now going down the straight course (1,000m) on Saturday, Nuclear Flight turned the tables on Another Vigorous by three parts of a length in a good time of 59.3.
Henry offered that once Nuclear Flight can get over her breathing problem, then the dark bay filly will well be on her way.
“Well, she [Nuclear Flight] has a little breathing problem but she is getting over it, and as long she gets over that issue she has the ability to get to the top of the class.
“She’s a nice filly who can run. She likes to run and is getting better and better all the time. This is her third win from four starts and she has the ability to go places.
“From the first time I rode her I knew she had the potential, good ability and she’s getting better and better each time she runs, and it is a joy to be around her in the mornings and afternoons,” Henry said.
From the get-go Nuclear Flight and Another Vigorous were engaged in battle but the former, who was well handled in mid-stretch, edged away in the end to score well.
“The plan going into the race was to break sharply as the last time she did not break too wonderful as she had a little problem leaving the gates. It was neither my fault nor anyone in particular, or probably the gateman might have tried to break her too fast and she does not like that.
“So I told him [gate hander] do not push her out, let her break on her own and after breaking on her own, with another two steps, she coupled up and went straight for the lead.
“She had no real problem here as she broke much better this time than on her two previous starts, and that is what I wanted and from then it was all over.
“She has another Restricted race and should have an Overnight next, and with success she should be heading into ‘A’ Class company,” Henry speculated.