show me:

Singapore Racing - Weekend Review – Apprentice Shines With Rail-Hugging Gem

3 minute read

Former Kiwi Star Emperor scored his biggest win when claiming the Group 3 Jumbo Jet Trophy (1400m) at Kranji on Sunday.

Star Emperor winning the Jumbo Jet Trophy. Picture: Singapore Turf Club

 

Apprentice jockey Simon Kok produced a gem of a ride, saving ground by hugging the rail around the home bend before lifting the gelding in the closing stages.

Star Emperor settled well back in the field but while his rivals fanned wide into the straight, Kok was the only rider to stay hard up against the fence in what proved a decisive move.

The five-year-old looked to be labouring in the chase until halfway up the straight when he found another gear, Kok driving him along the fence to snatch a half-length win over Biraz and Elite Excalibur.

Star Emperor – who started his career in New Zealand as Stealth Giant – scored his third win in Singapore since joining the Leticia Dragon stable.

 

Sacred Rebel winning the Mr Big 2013 Stakes Class 2. Picture: Singapore Turf Club

 

Sepoy gelding Sacred Rebel continued his good form for Mark Walker with a half-length win in the Mr Big 2013 Class 2 Stakes over 1000m.

Settling handy from the inside stall for Benny Woodworth, Sacred Rebel gained a split soon after straightening and while he took most of the straight to overhaul the leader, he gained the upper hand in the drive to the line.

Sacred Rebel has really developed a liking for the synthetic surface, the win his fourth in a row on the all weather.

Two-year-old Field Marshal put his hand up as a horse to follow by beating some older rivals to make a winning debut in the Restricted Maiden over 1200m while the late-maturing five-year-old Strap Marks suggested he is capable of racing through his grades when making it back-to-back wins by claiming the Class 4 (1200m).

 

My Dreamliner winning the Class 4. Picture: Singapore Turf Club

 

Friday's Kranji meeting also produced a few progressive gallopers including the impressive My Dreamliner.

Showing good gate speed to lead, My Dreamliner booted away in the straight and never looked in danger, cruising home a 2.5L winner of the class 4 1100m.

It was the three-year-old's third success from just five starts and he looks to have more wins in store.

The same could be said for Excelling, who won in similar fashion at his Singapore debut.

The former Sydneysider led and kicked away for a soft 2.8 length win to give trainer Lee Freedman a milestone 100th winner in Singapore.

Maiden winner Adipson looks the other winner on the card worth following after breaking his maiden over 1400m.