KINGSTON, Jamaica - The already well-endowed two-year-old barn of owner Michros (Michael Bernard), which also includes juvenile leader Wow Wow, got a noticeable boost with the racing debut of the precocious Nipster on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at Caymanas Park.
Nipster’s impressive start to his racing career came in the fourth running of the $1.1 million Front Runner Sprint feature.
Trained by Richard Azan and ridden by Robert Halledeen, the bay colt and offspring of Casual Trick – Nipppit covered the 5 1/2 furlongs (1,100m) distance in an encouraging time of 1:06.1 while defeating six other juveniles. Nipster was sent out as an 8-1 betting option for his career bow.
Nipster broke with the front-runners before settling into second position behind early leader Versatile Vision (Paul Francis) with Powerman (Shamaree Muir) and Fearless Champion (Phillip Parchment) in behind.
Versatile Vision opened up on the field navigating the half-mile (800m) turn but when Halledeen allowed the colt to run, Nipster quickly caught up with the leader approaching the distance before taking over at the top of the lane. With a peek over his shoulder and with a change of hold from Halledeen, Nipster skittered away to score an emphatic win.
Versatile Vision held on to second place with Fearless Champion getting the better of Above and Beyond (Linton Steadman) for third place.
“Well, going into a two-year-old race you are more concerned about what the horses are going to do. If they are going to behave and things like that. This one (Nipster) behaved and we came away with a positive result,” a pleased Halledeen said.
“At the three-furlong pole: I was second and full of running. That he is a good horse and a time of 1:06.1 for a maiden is very good as this shows that he has the ability and should he remain sound and healthy, he looks a certain Classic horse in the making,” the jockey added.
For trainer Richard Azan, who has been having an up and down season, the run by his juvenile was greatly appreciated.
“Yes, an inspiring run by Nipster. He has some talent that will be nurtured and hopefully it will continue to develop and grow.
“This is Nipster’s first start and I am encouraged,” Azan said.
