TOMMY GOES GREAT GUNS AT FIRST START

Fitzsimmons’ newcomer underdone’ but still proves too strong for Maiden rivals

- Michael Lee

The old cliche that patience pays off did not apply to Tommy Gun's cracking debut win on May 4.

Trainer Tim Fitzsimmons admitted he went a little against his better judgment when launching the newcomer in the $75,000 Restricted Maiden (1,200m) event on turf.

Bloodstock agent Josh McLoughlan's (of Golden Monkey and Dream Alliance fame) latest acquisition landed in Singapore on Jan 29. The rule of thumb for the time new arrivals need before facing the starter is around four months.

Fitzsimmons was loath to cut any corners, especially for a horse he had time for.

In three starts as Canyonlands in Victoria, the Flying Artie threeyear-old ran as many seconds for trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr, including once at the city track of Moonee Valley.

Ideally, Fitzsimmons felt Tommy Gun probably needed a couple of weeks more, but the final upshot is often dictated by the programme.

"He's a nice horse, but we did toy with the idea of not running him today. I felt he was underdone going into that race," said the Australian trainer.