KEY POINTS:
It might have been only a $25,000 race, but it may well turn out to be a rehearsal for the $200,000 Waiwera Infinity Railway at Ellerslie on January 1.
St Verdi and Baldessarini fought out a tough finish for a while in yesterday's Singapore Turf Club Trophy at Ellerslie and it doesn't stretch the imagination too far see the same pair fighting out the Railway.
Baldessarini conceded the fight at the 100m, but given that was only his second race in almost two years and his first for 14 months, it was a very brave performance.
The one-length margin was the different level of match fitness, St Verdi had previously had his fresh-up run on Counties Cup Day, and the 4kg advantage the winner had in the handicap.
As expected Baldessarini had a decent blow after the race.
"I'm pleased I ran him," said trainer Anne Herbert.
"That will do him the world of good."
Baldessarini's winning performance from a wide gate in the Railway two years ago is one of the more memorable Ellerslie contests in the past decade.
He looks a much stronger horse now and is a definite contender to win his second Railway.
Co-trainer Russell Cameron was pleased with St Verdi.
"He did well today because there wasn't a lot of speed on and he's better when they're getting along at a real good clip."
Cameron might look stern at times, but he's a real practical joker.
As he waited for St Verdi to return yesterday his cellphone rang.
He talked for a moment then said: "I've got to go, I've just won the Singapore Trophy."
"Where?" came the reply.
"At Ellerslie, it's a half-million-dollar race."
The caller was a mate, Melbourne trainer Robert Smerdon.
"I'll let him stew on that for a while," said Cameron with a wry smile.
Baldessarini's stablemate Hagar showed his appreciation of a dropback in class when he lumped 58kg to a dominating victory in the R90 1400m.
Hagar trailed a hectic pace set by Mr Omegan and gritted his way to the line to reverse his recent form.
