The pitfalls of the open age racing system will be the focus of trainer John Size this season as he tries to keep a lid on the progress of exciting three-year-old Luger following his brilliant return to racing.
Luger (Douglas Whyte) looked a star of the future in two runs as a juvenile last season and only turbo-charged that view when he trounced a Class Four field yesterday, but Size is mindful that a recently turned three-year-old can be crucified by the Hong Kong system if he is allowed to advance too far too soon.
"He has come back the way we hoped he would and he's a very nice horse, but there is no need to rush," said Size after the three-length demolition job was complete.
"We'll continue to take our time with him and try to let his development catch up with the handicapper as this season goes on. The main thing this time is to let him enjoy it while he's growing stronger. Next season, as a four-year-old, is when we'll put him under a bit more pressure."
Luger dropped straight into a midfield two wide spot behind a decent speed and always travelled like the winner, cruising clear without Whyte breaking much of a sweat and the champion jockey said the win confirmed all he had thought about the son of Choisir last campaign.
A full brother to the three year-older sprinting mare, Psychologist, Luger has it all before him and trainer and jockey both believe he will get over further than yesterday's 1,400m.
"He gave me a great feel when he won as a griffin and here he was, nearly four months later and it was a great training effort by John - there was no hint of the horse being rusty or lacking anything," Whyte said.
"Two trials, straight into 1,400m and he felt like he'd never been away.
"He popped out, did his job very impressively and when he steps up in trip further he's going to be the real deal."
