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Proof Perfect scored first-up in Malaysia after a long layoff to deny The Mareeba Mango a hattrick in the Class 3 – 1075m handicap at Sungei Besi here today. All races were run on the No 2 track.

The Mareeba Mango , who scored back-to-back wins last November and was racing for the first time since, was the odds-on favourite and attempted to make all the running.

The leader came under pressure and ran about at the top of the straight. Malaysia Captain  ranged alongside him on the rails at the 300m and was momentarily in front at one stage.

Proof Perfect , meanwhile, settled off the pace in fifth spot early before moving up to fourth at the top of the straight.

The Mareeba Mango  raised another effort and beat off Malaysia Captain  at the 150m. But Proof Perfect got going at this stage and opened up in fine style to overhaul the leader to win by 3/4 length.

Proof Perfect  raced for three seasons in Australia for three wins and three placings in nine starts. He won another three races in 20 runs in Singapore before moving to Ipoh to join trainer Stephen Cook.

"Very please to win," said Cook. "I have to thank Golden Stable who supported me to buy this horse. He will be better suited racing on the main track."

"He didn't jump too well and I have to settle behind the pace," said jockey MM Firdaus. "He responded well in the straight when I put the pressure on him."