LINGJUN HERO TOO SLICK

Course experience paid dividends when Lingjun Hero (3 c Spirit of Boom – Weekend Surprise, by Rubiton) won Lance Lawson Maiden 1215 metres on 28 December at Rotorua.

Having run on when resuming in Maiden 1215 metres on 16 November and bold third in Maiden 3YO 1230 metres on 1 December, both at Rotorua, Lingjun Hero rated top three from barrier five.

Intent on leading, apprentice jockey Taiki Yanagida (a1) had company inside before advancing at 800m to a widening margin which became unassailable in the straight.

Unrelenting, Lingjun Hero won by three and a quarter lengths, running 1215 metres in 1:12.2 on Dead5 footing, downgraded in showery conditions, and paid $3.70 & $1.60 on NZ TAB tote.

“He’s hard fit, so was able to work a bit early and carried on with it,” said co-trainer Pam Gerard. “He was unlucky last time and nearly fell when finishing third.

“He’s shown a lot of speed right from the outset and he looked amazing in the coat today.

“He’s doing a good job for a colt and not become too heavy, which has been a bonus. Usually, a three-year-old colt could become quite chunky but if anything he’s remained reasonably fine.

“Taiki (Yanagida) was quite impressed with him, said he did it easily and found another gear when clicked up in the straight. He’s beaten quite a good field.

“He did things right, came back to the jockey, and suits going around a course like Rotorua. He’s gaining confidence and beginning to work it out.”

Lingjun Hero was bought for $45,000 by Amy Feng at 2020 Gold Coast March Yearling Sale, from draft of KBL Thoroughbreds, and owned by Mr. Ma Junping, managed by Taniwha Club managing director Alan Fu.

By Champion Queensland Sire Spirit of Boom (Sequalo), dam Weekend Surprise won three times over 1000 metres in Australia. Incredibly, she has now left 10 individual winners of 24 races, including Group 3 winner Dan Baroness (State of Liberty) and listed winner Jagged Edge (Better Than Ready).

Lingjun Hero was strapped by Hera Singh.