The first mini-feature of the year, the $150,000 Woodlands Classic Stakes (2000m), was captured in style by Goldschatz on Saturday, incidentally ringing up his fourth win in a row.

Ridden by his winning partner at his last three outings, Vlad Duric, the Stephen Gray-trained galloper slotted in the perfect trailing position in third from the word go.

When Kin Keseki (Olivier Placais) scooted out three wide down the backstraight to harden up the pace set by Escamonda (Barend Vorster) with London Express (Mark Gallagher) carting along on his inside, Goldschatz stayed put a few lengths astern, happy to see the race play into his hands. 

Despite being ridden along, Kin Keseki and London Express duly weakened at the top of the straight, leaving Goldschatz to set sail after the leader.

Angled off the rails by Duric at the 300m, Goldschatz ($17) quickly levelled up with Patrick Shaw’s Argentinian Group 1 winner and after a brief tussle, drew clear for a comprehensive victory by just under four lengths from Escamonda, with dual Singapore Gold Cup winner El Dorado (Ronnie Stewart) running on late for third, first-up, another head away.

Goldschatz, who is owned by Mr Stephan Herzog, a former Singapore-based Estee Lauder manager now working in Dubai, clocked the smart time of 2mins 0.66sec for the 2000m.

Said an elated Gray at the winner’s circle: “I’m just so excited this horse has won, just for that man, Stephan, who has flown in from Dubai just to see him race.

“He had won three in a row and he’s now won four. I told Stephan he could do it again even if the field was pretty strong and he didn’t let us down.

“Vlad had him in the zone from the start, sitting behind the speed and everything went smoothly.

“His preparation for this race has been perfect. I made a mistake two years ago when I ran him in the Derby.

“He wasn’t ready for that and was flattened. That put me back and I had to work doubly hard to bring him back to his best.

“I don’t know if I’ll give him a break now. We’ll see, but I may give him a run in the SIA Cup (Singapore Airlines International Cup) as he can stay.”

A six-year-old by Pins out of the Centaine mare Centri Belle, Goldschatz, whose last success came in the Group 3 Proinn Construct Stakes last December, was at his seventh win for prizemoney now just a few notches below the half-a-million mark.

Duric said Goldschatz was the “perfect” horse to ride, even comparing him to his Caulfield Cup-winning ride Master O’Reilly.

“He’s pretty easy to ride. He jumps well and puts himself in the spot – very much like Master O’Reilly,” said Duric.

“I had him on the bridle in the perfect spot right behind the favourite. At the 600m, he came off the back of the favourite, and I was a bit concerned he had seen daylight a bit too soon.

“But he accelerated very well and put the race away in a few strides.

“Credit to Steve and the boys for having maintained him in good shape and had him spot-on for this race.”

Old campaigner Sea Of Tranquility made trainer Stephen Gray a very happy man after he racked up his ninth win in the $35,000 Class 5 Janice O’Connor Stakes on Saturday.

After racing handy for most of the 1700m journey, the Istidaad eight-year-old dug deep for Joao Moreira inside the last furlong to defeat longshot Eighth Avenue (Alan Ng), with Sean (Olivier Placais) third another length away. 

“He’s a grand old horse. I’m so stoked with that win,” said Gray.

“He always goes out there to try his best. He had a lovely draw (1) today and he hit the line very well.”

Gray said he was glad for the owner Paul Hickman of St George Stable, a long-time supporter of his, who was represented at the prize giving presentation by Australian racing website Chief Executive Officer Gary Crispe.

Moreira continues his rich vein of form, tallying up a double for the day having earlier scored aboard Drunken Hero for Leslie Khoo in Race 1. He later went on to wrap up the day's proceedings with a treble courtesy of $13 favourite Zac Velocity in the last race, the $55,000 Class 4 Division 2 race over 1600m.

“Can’t complain. I’m getting good rides and my confidence is up,” said Moreira.

“Most importantly, it’s thanks to the trainers’ support I’m getting on good horses. Thanks to Mr Gray for putting me on this one (Sea Of Tranquility).

“He was always in a good spot in the running and he gave a very nice kick in the end.”

Sea Of Tranquility, who clocked 1min 47.26secs for the 1700m on the Polytrack, returned a win dividend of $16 and has now amassed more than $270,000 in prizemoney.

Race experience paved the way for Not My Fault breaking through for his first win in the $65,000 Restricted Maiden over 1200m on Friday night.

Enjoying a good run behind the speed, Not My Fault, ridden by Vlad Duric, scored a solid half-length win over first starter Benji’s Pride (Ronnie Stewart) with Zac Imperial (Danny Beasley) a length-and-a-half away third.

Former Melbourne galloper Diplomatic Strike equalled the 1100m course record when successful in the $75,000 Class 3 Stakes.

And in the process he gave jockey Joao Moreira a Singapore best of four winners for the night.

Tracking the speed throughout, Diplomatic Strike scored by a length-and-three-quarters over Bionic Boy (K K Ng) with Lucky Wish (Barend Vorster) a half-length away third.

A winning double for Stephen Gray was completed when Goldschatz took the first Group race on the Polytrack on Friday night.

Ridden by Vlad Duric, Goldschatz overcame adversity before scoring in the Group 3 $175,000 Proinn Construct Stakes over 1700m.

Gray had been successful in the previous race, the $75,000 Class 3 Stakes over 1100m with Diplomatic Strike.

Goldschatz made it back-to-back victories having previously been successful over 1600m on the turf back on November 13.

The New Zealand-bred six-year-old was given a great run by Duric, but when he went to push out on the hometurn, Moreira came up on his outside, shutting the door.

Just when it looked like Bumble Bee would give Moreira his fifth winner for the night, Duric was able to get Goldschatz rebalanced and set sail after the favourite, comfortably wearing him down and racing clear for a commanding win.

Duric has just returned to race riding following a suspension and said he was glad to get his early rides out of the way.

“When you have a bit of a break it takes of couple of rides to get your eye back in,” said Duric.

“I was blowing pretty hard early on, but I’m right now and hopefully this will get the momentum back in full swing.”

Duric had been riding in Melbourne during the Melbourne Cup Spring Carnival and had to waste hard to ride Given Vision in the Singapore Gold Cup early last month, which eventually took its toll on the rider.

“It knocked me around having to waste, but a break and a freshen up have got me back on track.”

Gray said he would have been a “grumpy trainer” had Goldschatz been beaten.

“I was urging Vlad to get off the fence, but when he did the gap had closed. Luckily he got up and won the race.”

Goldschatz is owned by German-born Stephan Herzog, a regional manager for cosmetic brand Estee Lauder, but who has left Singapore for a Dubai posting.

“Stephan and his kids still keep in touch with us,” said Gray. “He used to bring the kids around on a Sunday to see the horse.

“I’ve been in contact with him and he’s delighted with the win.”

With not a lot left on the radar for the year, Gray said he would consider sending Goldschatz up to Malaysia to contest the Penang Gold Cup over 2200m on December 27.

“He stays pretty well and I think he will run the 2200m without any problem,” said Gray. “It is something I’ll give serious consideration.”

Former leading four-year-old Goldschatz bounced back to his best on Friday when he came with a withering run to snag the $75,000 Class 3 race over 1600m to provide trainer Stephen Gray and jockey Vlad Duric the second leg of a winning treble.

The in-form combination saluted earlier with Langstraat in Race 3 before they wrapped up the memorable night with Mission Royale in the Lucky Last.
 

Goldschatz, the middle pin of the treble, was one of trainer Gray’s most promising middle-distance gallopers two years ago, culminating in a berth in the Singapore Derby where he ran eighth to Top Spin.

Somehow, the Pins gelding's form had tapered off since that run in the 2000m classic, but he still managed to notch one win last January before he again went off the boil. 

Gray wisely decided to send him for a “freshen” up in Bukit Timah, and the downtime has certainly proved beneficial.

Goldschatz, which means ‘Gold Chest” in German, made his comeback on October 9, without showing much over a distance not made to suit (1400m), following up with another warm-up run in another 1400m race when he beat two home.

But the fire was back on Friday as he stepped over the mile, complete with a new jockey aboard – Vlad Duric.

Settled at the rear from barrier rise, Goldschatz lobbed along comfortably as Celine Star (John Powell) showed the way. As heads turned for home, Duric peeled Goldschatz wide for his run to quickly draw level with leader Celine Star (John Powell) at the 300m.

There was barely a tussle as Goldschatz reproduced his trademark explosive turn of foot once Duric let rip at the 200m to draw clear and score by 3 ¼ lengths from favourite Formula One Racer (Robbie Fradd), with Dabble (Mark Gallagher) sticking on well for third a nose away. The winning time was 1min 36secs.

“I thought he had a good chance tonight. Blinkers back on, good rider, the field wasn’t too strong and he was nice and fresh third-up,” said Gray.

“I told Vlad to ride him for luck and ride him like he was a 2000m horse. He’s always had good staying form and I think it did help he beat a lot of tired horses tonight.”

Goldschatz is owned by German-born Stephan Herzog, a regional manager for cosmetic brand Estee Lauder, but who has however left Singapore for a Dubai posting.

“Stephan and his kids still keep in touch with us. I’m sure he’ll be delighted with that win,” said Gray.

The Kiwi trainer and Duric were both saddling a winning double having combined earlier to land Race 3 with Langstraat.

Langstraat has earned a well-deserved break after scoring a back-to-back double on Friday night, with trainer Stephen Gray eyeing off bigger and better things next year.

Carrying the steadier of 58kg (3kg more from his last start when he won a 1400m race) and facing a rise in distance to the mile in the $55,000 Class 4 race over 1600m, Langstraat (Vlad Duric) burst through the pack at the 300m to issue a stout challenge and score by three parts of a length from Ace Amadeus (Saimee Jumaat), with Grande Stallion (Sam Subian) third another neck away.

The winning time was 1min 36.7secs. Langstraat paid $13 for a $5 outlay.
 

Gray, who owns a third of the shares in the winner, with the other two thirds owned by mates Jerry Yeap and Greg Pugh, was pleased as punch with the son of O’Reilly.


Langstraat (Vlad Duric) makes it back-to-back victories on Friday night.

“He’s a very very good horse this one. He’ll get 2000m on his ears,” said the Kiwi handler.

“He knows the horse, having won on him at his last start and again gave him a beautiful ride tonight.

“I bought him as a yearling, knocked back a few offers from Hong Kong and we’ve had him right through since then.

“I’ve got two good friends who bought a share in him and that makes the win even more gratifying.

“Jerry has been with me from Day-1. He used to own a few horses, with the best being St Kentigern (2001 Kranji Sprint winner), but he’s scaled down a lot today.

“Aside from Langstraat, Jerry has bought an O’Reilly and a Keeper. Both are lovely horses but the Keeper chipped a knee.”

Gray said he will now tip the three-time winner for a month break and bring him back early next year.

“He’ll go for a spell now. He’s a big horse and the time has come for him to get a full-month’s break.

“We’ll bring him back and step him up in class, and we’ll take it from there.”

Wife Bridget let in: “With some luck, he could be our Derby horse next year!”

Trainer Stephen Gray will look to running Mission Supremo in the Singapore Gold Cup after his win in the $75,000 Kranji Stakes C over 2400m on Sunday.

Gray said he would throw in a nomination for the Group 1 $1.35million Singapore Gold Cup over 2200m on November 8 as he describes the five-year-old as a “natural stayer”.

“Whether he has the class to win the Gold Cup – I’m not sure – but one thing I do know is that he will stay the distance,” said Gray.

“Whether some of the others that are being aimed at the race can stay the distance, I don’t know, but I know he will.

“And if he does make the field, Saifudin will get his chance to ride him.”

Providing Saifudin Ismail with a winning double, Mission Supremo scored by two-and-a-half lengths over Ace Amigo (Danny Beasley) with Saddlers Creek (Saimee Jumaat) a half length away third.

Friday’s last race, a $75,000 Class 3 race over 1200m, saw a close tussle to the wire that unfolded with the resuming Ryan James putting his head in front at the 100m to score an impressive win.

Prepared and owned by trainer Stephen Gray, the Thorn Park four-year-old settled at the rear, in advance of only stablemate My Face who had blundered at the start and was several lengths behind.

As the field fanned out at the top of the straight, a host of contenders could still gun for the top prize, but as Golden Jet (Mohd Zaki) started to shorten strides, El Patron (John Powell) came from a four-wide position round the home turn to hit the lead. 

Lucky Wish (Lee Soo Hin) was also plugging on solidly on the inside, but out from the back came Ryan James (Saimee Jumaat) who stormed home to defeat El Patron by half-a-length in 1min 12.5secs. Lucky Wish held on for third another one length away.

“I’ve been very patient with this horse,” said Gray. “He was a little immature after his first three runs and I’ve given him all the time to develop further.

“Vlad (Duric) has been working a lot with him at trackwork. I gave him a trial and he did well, but then I thought maybe he needed another trial.

“He’s acquitted himself well again and I’ve set him for tonight’s race and it’s paid off.”

With that third win from four runs, Ryan James’ prizemoney is now close to $110,000 for Gray.

The BMW Caulfield Cup will be closely watched by Singapore racegoers on Saturday afternoon, but more particularly by trainer Stephen Gray (pictured above).

The Kranji-based New Zealand trainer’s father Kevin saddles the much-vaunted Daffodil in the premier Group 1 handicap contest over 2400m, while Singapore-licensed Melbourne hoop Vlad Duric, who enjoys plenty of support from the Gray yard, will also be in the line-up riding Master O’Reilly for a repeat feat bid of their 2007 triumph.

Duric will most probably forgive Gray for being partial towards his father’s Group 1-winning mare’s chances in the A$2.5 million race, though.

“I’ve never seen her race live, but I can tell you she’s a very good mare from what I’ve seen on TV and from what my dad told me,” said Gray.

“She’s nicely drawn in gate No 4 and gets in at a low handicap with only 51.5kg on her back.

“I was told from the track may be a bog, but she does like some cut in the ground. She’s settled in well in Melbourne and is right on target.”

The No Excuse Needed four-year-old mare, who is nominated for the Melbourne Cup as well, is not at her first traverse across the Tasman Sea, but will be at her first Melbourne raid. She will be ridden by Sydney jockey Chris Munce.

Prepared in Palmerston North and racing in the famous white, royal blue and emerald green logo colours of Gary and Mark Chittick’s Waikato Stud, Daffodil sprang into contention for the Spring riches following her wins in the Group 1 AJC Oaks (2400m) at Randwick in Sydney last April and a domestic success in the Group 1 Windsor Park Plate (1600m) at Hastings last September.

“She should have won the New Zealand Oaks as well but she was hampered at the start by faulty barriers. She had to barge her way out,” recalled Gray.

“We thought of lodging a protest but she ran fourth and still earned prizemoney and decided to leave it at that.

“She’s come on really well since and shaped up into a Spring contender. We’re hoping she can handle the Caulfield circuit which can be pretty tight,” said Gray.

“I think she will handle Flemington better as she will get more room in the running.”

Gray said that her last-start fourth in the Group 1 Kelt Capital Stakes on her October 3 was not disappointing from a Caulfield Cup perspective, even if she was considered hard to beat before the race.

“She was unlucky as she got held up at a crucial stage,” said Gray.

“She was handier than she normally is and when the winner (Vosne Romanee) got around her, she still wound up very strongly. It was probably a very good Cup trial.”

There is little doubt who Gray will be rooting for in front of his TV set at 1.05pm Singapore time on Saturday, but the amiable handler would rather be in the Flemington grandstand come the first Tuesday of November.

“I couldn’t be in Caulfield this Saturday as I have Given Vision running in the Raffles Cup the next day,” said Gray.

“But if she gets a run in the Melbourne Cup, I will definitely be there.”

The in-form Jupiter Stable may have unearthed yet another promising sort in Friday debut winner Montego Bay.

Despite an early setback in his career when he was stranded in quarantine in Sydney, Australia, the Anabaa four-year-old made good with a quick recovery when he landed at trainer Stephen Gray’s yard, answering everything thrown at him in training to score at his first outing in the $65,000 Initiation race over 1200m.

 

Montego Bay (Vlad Duric) gets the better of That's Gold (John Sundradas) to score at debut.

“(Trainer) Chris Waller bought him as a yearling and had him in quarantine for five months because of a disease he caught there,” said Gray.

“That’s why he got held up longer than the other horses who came here.

“He can be quite a hot horse but we knew right from the beginning he can gallop. Vlad (Duric) does all the work on him and has looked after him really well.

“He’s learned to settle down though mentally he’s not quite there yet. We had only That’s Gold to beat tonight as he’s a pretty smart horse too.

“If he had finished second we would have been just as rapt, but he’s won and that’s fantastic.

“Vlad is a very strong rider and he certainly had a huge contribution in tonight’s win.”

Gray, who also prepares dual-Group winner Given Vision and Satellite for Jupiter Stable did not fail to pay tribute to the Tang Weng Fei-owned outfit’s racing management.

“They deserve the rewards. They have invested in quality and the results are showing today,” said Gray.

“What I also appreciate about them is they leave everything to the trainer when it comes to racing decisions.”

The Jupiter Stable was enjoying a good night out as it had opened proceedings earlier in the first race with their undisputed stable star Better Than Ever who was at his fourth win from as many starts.

Montego Bay was always close to the speed set by That’s Gold (John Sundradas), travelling third outside Senor Linear (Robbie Fradd).

The $12 favourite That’s Gold looked to have a strong hold on the race when he kicked clear at the 400m but under the strong urgings of Duric, Montego Bay wore That’s Gold down to prevail by a neck. Chun Doong (John Powell) was third more than five lengths away.

The winning time was 1min 12.1secs. Montego Bay returned a dividend of $31 for a $5 investment

New Zealand trainer Stephen Gray notched a career milestone when he prepared his 300^th winner in Singapore on Wednesday night.

Daad’s The Way, ridden by Oscar Chavez, gave Gray his milestone victory in the $55,000 Class 4 Stakes over 1600m when successful by two lengths over Guru Glee (Vlad Duric) with Finstock Road (Barend Vorster) a length-and-a-quarter away third.

Kyoto looks on course for a promising staying future after he scored a pillar-to-post victory in the $65,000 Panasonic DECT Phone Stakes Initiation race (1600m) on Sunday.

Prepared by Stephen Gray, the son of Group 1 Gran Premio del Jockey Club (2400m) winner Ekraar was summed up nicely by jockey Vlad Duric in the lead, raising another gear at the 300m to score by one length from the fast-finishing Double Dose (Ronnie Stewart), with Je Peux (Joao Moreira) third another 1 ¾ lengths away.

Gray was first and foremost delighted the win had finally brought a winner to long-time partner Paul Hickman of St George No 2 Stable since Sea Of Tranquility on November 8, 2008.


Kyoto (Vlad Duric) has all four legs in mid-air as he gallops away to his first win.

“Paul has been an owner with me for a long time. Most of his horses were getting too old and he’s now got some new ones here and four more in New Zealand,” said Gray.

“I own half of the shares in this one (Kyoto). I bought him to be a stayer not a sprinter.

“He’s a big, heavy horse who is bred to go over up to 2000m and if he keeps it up he should become a handy Class 3 galloper one day.

“I’ve always liked him from his very first race when he was galloped on. At his next run he lost his form a little.

“But he was very unlucky at his last start. He should have run second to Better Than Ever.”

Duric was delighted he could ride a winner on the day his wife Storm was attending the races at Kranji for the first time.

“She’s at the races here for the first time and it looks like she’s brought me luck!” said Duric.

“The winner’s a lovely stayer and was always cruising for me right from the start. He’s still got plenty of improvement left in him as he’s still immature.

“Once he learns how to relax better, he will turn into a very good horse.”

Short-priced favourite Mr Merciful had an ideal run in the box-seat but went out without a whimper when the chips were down to run fourth.
 

Kyoto paid $44 for a win and ran the 1600m over the Short Course in 1min 36.5secs.

Trainer Stephen Gray will return from an overseas jaunt to the happy news that Georgie Boy was successful in the $65,000 Iniation Stakes over 1600m on Sunday.

Gray is currently in England attending the wedding of his brother-in-law.

Ridden by Vlad Duric, Georgie Boy ground down his rivals to score by a length over Excellent Luck (Ismail Saifudin) with Starzl (Mohd Zaki) three-and-a-half lengths away third.

Trainer Stephen Gray praised the winning ride of Brazilian jockey Joao Moreira after Shuttle Express took out the $35,000 Maiden Stakes over 1400m on Friday night.

Coming from a midfield position, Moreira weaved a passage through the field in the straight to get Shuttle Express home by a neck over Left Click (Marcus Au) with Riffs Of Joy (Benny Woodworth) a length-and-a-half away third.

“They should clone that jockey,” Gray said of Moreira. “He’s a freak.

“That was such a brilliant ride. Good riders always find the right path.”

Trainer Stephen Gray is always thrilled whenever his young newcomers get off the mark at Kranji, but the Kiwi handler has an even bigger kick when they win for personal friends.

Daad’s The Way ($19) showed the benefit of a three-month spell to open his account at his fourth start in the $65,000 Restricted Maiden (2&3YO) race over 1400m on Friday, carrying to victory the blue, red and white colours of Country Rose Stable, who is headed by Gray’s family friend Bob Tan.

“I’m very pleased that horse won for a very close friend in Bob,” said Gray.

“Bob used to be an amateur rider and has owned horses with my dad (Kevin) for more than 20 years, the most famous being Country Rose herself, hence the name of their stable.”

“Dad pre-trained this one, a horse Bob picked himself at the Ready-To-Run in New Zealand after he won a trial.”


Daad's The Way lands his maiden win under Joao Moreira on Friday night.

The Country Rose Stable also has one-time winner Northern Spirit with Gray and two-time winner Magic Leg with another New Zealander, Bruce Marsh.

By Istidaad and out of the Prince Of Praise mare Rodeo Rose, Daad’s The Way had shown ability at his first three starts, chalking up two thirds and one second, but was not coming on as well as Gray would have hoped.

“He was going all right earlier on but couldn’t quite keep up and was going a bit flat out,” said Gray.

“I gave him a three-month break and brought him back. I put him on the treadmill and he seemed to have thrived on that.

“I have to say he’s done an outstanding job to beat Patrick’s (Shaw) horse (Ee Ee Uo Uo), who had only 49kg on his back.

“That sure wasn’t easy as he was in all sorts of trouble at the back, but Joao (Moreira) gave him a brilliant ride. Just watch how he changed strides on him down the straight – absolutely brilliant!

“I hope Singapore doesn’t lose a rider like him.”

The quirkily-named Ee Ee Uo Uo (Barend Vorster) looked set to clinch his maiden win as he pulled away at the 200m, but Daad’s The Way rallied with a well-timed run to defeat him by one length, with Daring Wantit (Vlad Duric) boxing on for third another 2 ¾ lengths away. The winning time was 1min 23.2secs.

Moreira, who had a blank day at his return from suspension on Derby day, was glad to be back in his familiar spot at the winner’s circle, and gave a glowing report on Gray’s gelding.

“He was coming home so well that I didn’t need to use the whip on him,” said Moreira.

“Stephen has done a great job with him. He kept him fresh and he’s scored a strong solid win today.”

Trainer Stephen Gray got an extra thrill out of the win of Given Vision in the $450,000 Group 2 Three-Year-Old Challenge 3^rd Leg over 1600m on Friday night.

In winning the 3^rd Leg of the Three-Year-Old Challenge, Given Vision picked-up a $50,000 bonus for the Jupiter Stable for also winning the 2^nd Leg of the Three-Year-Old Challenge three weeks earlier.

Gray said the years of hard work in Singapore were beginning to pay off with success in feature races starting to fall his way.

 “I’ve been here nine years now and I just feel that it is all starting to happen for me,” said a beaming Gray.

“There has been a lot of hard work put into making the business up here work. There are a lot of people that I have to thank for their great support over the years.

“This win is very satisfying as I’ve bought him along all the way through. He is a very good horse and can go off for a break now.”

Gray said he has had a number of good horses pass through his stables, including Singapore Derby winner Lim’s Prestige, but has high hopes for Given Vision going on to bigger and better things.

“Lim’s Prestige was a very good horse but was stopped through his problems, but I think this horse can keep going on,” said Gray.

“He’s a very exciting horse and he has to be one of the better ones that I have trained.”

Given Vision has now won five of his six starts since making his debut with a 1200m victory in March before bumping into the smart Ace Aviva at his next outing, finishing fourth after hanging out during the race.

Gray then set about mending his manners with impressive results since, winning his last four starts, the last two in Group company.

“He has really thrived since he has been here and Joao was extremely confident about his chances when we spoke on race morning,” said Gray.

“He was really excited and said he had no worries about him winning.”

Gray said he would send Given Vision for a break and was in no hurry with the rising four-year-old.

Jockey Vlad Duric continued in his rich vein of form by notching a four timer at Sunday’s Emirates Singapore Derby meeting.

Duric commenced the day riding the Stephen Gray trained Silver Lining in the $35,000 Emirates New York Maiden Stakes over 1200m before scoring aboard the Michael Freedman-trained Day Of Empire in the $65,000 Emirates Sao Paulo Stakes over 1200m.

He completed the treble with victory on Ntini in the $200,000 Group 3 Singapore 4YO Sprint before notching Gray’s double on Ryan James in the $55,000 Emirates Dubai Class 4 Stakes over 1600m.

It was Duric’s second four-timer. He completed the feat back on May 16, the day before the SIA Cup meeting.

Silver Lining (Vlad Duric) opens proceedings on Derby Day.

Gray kicked off Emirates Derby Day in excellent fashion when Silver Lining scored in the $35,000 Emirates New York Maiden Stakes over 1200m.

Gray left the Singapore racecourse at Kranji on Friday night with a treble in the bag and wasted no time in getting favourite punters off to a good start on Sunday.

Silver Lining scored by one-and-a-quarter lengths over Trigger Synergy (Matt Kellady) with Maha Veehan (T R Barnabas) three-quarters-of-a-length away third.

Gray admitted surprise that Silver Lining was sent out as the top pick after being beaten into fifth place to Shinkansen over 1400m on June 26.

“He drew wide last time and the plan was to take a sit on him,” said Gray. “But he jumped too well and Vlad elected to go forward.

“He had the blinkers on and he raced a bit keenly and didn’t have anything left at the finish. At least we found out that’s not the way to ride him.

“But I wasn’t sure how he would perform today. I just decided to bring him back in distance and get Vlad to ride him quietly and let him finish the race off.

“Vlad rode him perfectly today from a wide draw and was able to get a good run through the field.

“He’s still learning what racing is all about and has always shown us ability.

“Even though he disappointed when stepped up to the 1400m, it wasn’t the best way to ride him and on what he showed today he should even get up to the mile.”

Silver Lining is a New Zealand bred three-year-old by Align from the Piazzetta mare Lavenda and was a NZ$80,000 purchase as a two-year-old.

Having previously recorded one third in his four previous starts, Silver Lining took his prizemoney to around the $25,000 for the Sterling Silver Stable with his win on Sunday.


Ryan James brings up Duric's fourth winner.

The Gray trained three-year-old scored by a neck over Ace Amante (Saimee Jumaat) with Zinly (Joao Moreira) one-and-three-quarter lengths away third.

 

Gray said Ryan James was still learning what racing is all about.

 

“He’s still not there yet,” said Gray. “He’s still quite immature and is probably still six months away from showing his best.

 

“I just want to look after him. He’s still a bit frail but he’s definitely got a future.

 

“I may even tip him out now. He’s four soon and he can still come back to the same class.”

 

Ryan James is a three-year-old New Zealand-bred son of Thorn Park from the O’Reilly mare Mighty Myrtle and record his second win from just three starts. A NZ$52,000 yearling purchase, Ryan James has already collected around $75,000 for the Gray Stable

Trainer Stephen Gray would have been hard-pressed to split Given Vision and Satellite for the Singapore Three-Year-Old Challenge, if not for the latter’s untimely injury.

The two Jupiter Stable-owned three-year-olds had both put the writing on the wall early in their career, but while Given Vision went on to win four from his five starts including the ultimate prize – the second Leg of the series on June 26, Satellite, on the other hand, after scoring only at debut, met with leg niggles which brought any designs on bigger goals to a screeching halt.

Satellite made an impressive winning debut last December with jockey Michael Cahill aboard, before finding one better at his next start over Polytrack. That was when trouble struck.


Satellite scores a convincing first-up win under Saimee Jumaat.

“He was drawn wide but still made good ground. Unfortunately he came back a bit lame behind,” recalled Gray after Satellite made a successful first-up comeback on Friday in the $65,000 Novice race (1200m).

“He then went for acupuncture and was back racing a few weeks later. On that day, he made ground on Rocket Man.

“But it was at his next run that he was not the same horse at all. He still ran second but pulled up lame.

“He had a radioactive dye scan and he was found to have a hairline crack to his cannon bone.

“The vets said it would split further if he continued racing and that’s when we decided to spell him. He’s unfortunately missed the 3YO series and I reckon he would have been up to them if he had run.

“He’s up there with Given Vision. Michael Cahill, who’s one of the best judges I’ve worked with, told me he was a top horse right from Day 1.

“At his last run, he told me he was only 50 per cent and he still ran second to Marco Kid.”

Gray said he would just take the son of Strategic Image through his grades and will target him at next year’s Four-Year-Old Challenge.

“He’ll run up to the mile no problem. He can be a little naughty at times but he’s a lovely horse with a great turn of foot.”

That certainly was one of his main weapons in Friday’s resounding victory, when he came with a well-timed run on the outside to defeat Men At Work (Vlad Duric) for a Jupiter Stable quinella, with Super Lucky Colour (Ronnie Stewart) pinging late for third after being held up for room at the 200m.

After being partnered by Cahill at all his previous starts, Satellite, who started as the even-money favourite, was on Friday ridden for the first time by Saimee Jumaat who was at his 56th win for the season. 

Gray was back in the winner's enclosure two races later when Elegant Spirit ($28) got up in the last stride to defeat Shen Li (Matthew Kellady) by the barest of margins.

Ridden by Vlad Duric, Elegant Spirit was visiting the winner's box for the first time since his last victory in May 2008. The seven-year-old by Deputy Governor has now chalked up four wins from 50 starts for prizemoney in excess of $170,000 for the DOC Stable.

He’s been dubbed “Magic Moreira” and Brazilian jockey Joao Moreira produced a magical ride aboard Given Vision to land the $350,000 Group 2 Three-Year-Old Challenge (2^nd Leg) over 1400m on Friday night.

Moreira, who has been riding in Singapore since mid-March, captured his first feature race aboard the Stephen Gray-trained galloper.

The popular Brazilian has been riding up a storm in recent weeks and currently sits in fourth position on the Jockeys Premiership Table with 31 winners.

Given Vision (Joao Moreira) upstages his more-fancied rivals in the second
Leg of the Singapore Three-Year-Old Challenge.

“I must apologise for my careless riding,” said Moreira of his suspension. “It was an accident as I was out there giving my best.”

 

The lightly-raced Given Vision scored by two-and-three-quarter lengths over Powerful Ruler (Saimee Jumaat) with Super Gold (Eric Legrix), three-quarters of a length back in third place.

 

Given Vision will now head towards the $450,000 Group 2 Three-Year-Old Challenge (3^rd Leg) over 1600m on July 17 and on Friday night’s showing is sure to be one of the popular elects.

 

Gray enticed Moreira to take the ride on Given Vision who was racing in blinkers for the first time.

 

“It was something we had up our sleeve,” Gray said of the addition of blinkers for Friday night’s success.

 

“We have always felt that he is a very good horse and when Michael Cahill won on him on Singapore Airlines International Cup day (May 17) he said he would be a Group horse.

 

“I had the 3^rd Leg over the mile picked out as his main race, so to win this along the way is something of a bonus, but after he drew in barrier two I said to Joao that he would run super and I must say that Joao gave him a great ride.”


Trainer Stephen Gray (left) and jockey Joao Moreira congratulate each other.

Gray later said that Given Vision would be even further improved when the races get up over a longer trip and was already looking forward to next year’s Singapore Derby which is run over 2000m.

 

“That is what we bought him for,” said Gray. “He may not look the best horse with his four white legs, but he’s a very promising stayer.

 

“Right from day one, the Derby is the race that we have had in the back of our minds with him,” said the former Derby winning trainer.

 

Already a winner over 1600m, Moreira is also looking forward to the 3^rd Leg of the Three-Year-Old Challenge and adding another feature race to the kitty.

 

“On the hometurn the horse felt very strong,” said Moreira. “I believe he will run a strong 1600m and will be very hard to beat in the final leg.”

 

Given Vision has now won four of his five starts and secured around $250,000 in prizemoney for the Jupiter Stable. An Australian-bred, Given Vision is by Belong To Me from the Made Of Gold mare Aurum Valley.

 

While rival trainers were in awe of the way Given Vision handled his rivals over the 1400m journey, they were not conceding the 3^rd leg to him just yet.

 

Brian Dean, trainer of the runner-up Powerful Ruler, said he was hopeful of turning the tables in three weeks time.

 

“He ran his normal honest race,” said Dean. “We were just beaten by a better horse on the night.

 

“The older he gets the more dour he is becoming. I thought that might happen with him and I can’t wait to get him out to the 1600m and further.”

 

Saimee backed-up Dean’s assessment by saying Powerful Ruler lacked the turn of foot of Given Vision in that vital final 300 metres.

 

“We had every chance but the winner had an amazing turn of foot which we didn't have,” said Saimee.

 

“It was still a marvellous run and I'm definitely looking forward to the last leg now.

 

“We've kept him fresh for this series and he's all geared up to go all the way. Besides he's bred to stay and the mile should suit even better.”

 

Trainer Michael Freedman didn’t experience a lot of luck with his two runners – the Three-Year-Old Challenge 1^st Leg winner Mooring (Danny Beasley) which finished 11^th and Ace Aviva (Vlad Duric) fifth.

 

“Things didn't go our way. I think Mooring has reached his peak this preparation and will probably go for a break now,” said Freedman.

 

“As for Ace Aviva, Vlad told me he was galloped on after only 400m. I'll have to check how he's pulled up.”

New Zealand bred Silver Element looks to have a bright future following his victory in the $65,000 Restricted Maiden-1 over 1400m on Friday night.

Ridden by Vlad Duric and having his second start, Silver Element over-ran the favourite Golden Scalpel (Joao Moreira) to score by a half-length with Certain Prince (John Powell) a length-and-a-quarter away third.

“I liked the Pentire over the Marscay mare cross and he was a nice type,” said Gray. “I paid a little more than I normally would but I think he’ll develop into a nice horse.”

Gray kept Silver Element in New Zealand a little longer than he would have normally as the gelding was proving a handful when he was being broken in.

“I had him at dad’s property but he was proving a real handful when being broken in,” said Gray. “In the end he went to jumping jockey Jonathon Riddell to get him going.

“He did a good job, but even now he is still a very hard going horse. He has to be worked all the time and my foreman Matt Lewis rides him every morning.

“He’s a nice horse and will just keep getting better. He’s not quite there yet, but I won’t rush him as I think he will be a lovely horse next year.”

Gray was impressed with Silver Element’s debut performance and because of his toughness he didn’t hesitate in backing the gelding up two weeks after his debut effort.

“He’s never left an oat from day one and is just so tough,” said Gray. “I had no hesitation in backing him up, but now that he’s got this win under the belt I may just back-off on him a bit.”

Silver Element’s victory was a welcome change of luck for jockey Vlad Duric.

“I had something like 10 second placings since my last winner,” said Duric. “You could say I was in need of a winner.

“He’s still a bit revvy at this stage but he was a lot better tonight that what he was on debut.

“He’s only going to get better and should be a nice stayer next year.”

Friday’s battle of the juveniles went the way of Emergency Acceptor Eternal Win, a promising two-year-old gelding by French Deputy prepared by trainer Stephen Gray.

Promoted as a starter following the withdrawal of Gut Feel, Eternal Win came from midfield with a well-timed run for Soo Khoon Beng to deny Touch Luck (Vlad Duric) who was being hailed the winner, by three parts of a length.

Short-priced favourite Twin Ace (Saimee Jumaat) faded to a disappointing eighth after showing the way from the start of the $65,000 Restricted Maiden (2YO) race (1000m).


Eternal Win (Soo Khoon Beng) finishes too well for his rivals to score a strong
debut victory.

But to Gray, his charge’s generous odds of $71 for a win did not reflect his level of confidence after his trial second to Mexican Rose last week.

“He sat second to a very good filly trained by Laurie Laxon called Mexican Rose who won her first two starts back home and started favourite in a feature race,” said Gray.

“That’s when I knew he was quite special as I reckon that Mexican Rose is Group material.

“He was the fittest horse and the best prepared horse today and I’m glad we got a spot after another horse was scratched.

“I was actually surprised we got balloted out. He had four soft trials and ran good in all four.

“I told KB he is more of a 1200m horse and not to go too hard with him early, and let him find his feet and come home late. Things worked to plan and we got the chocolates.

“I’m happy for his owner Alan Tan, who hasn’t won a race for a long time. He bought him in a breeze-up sale in Melbourne.”

Eternal Win was Soo's only ride and the former Singapore champion jockey duly honoured it with successful results.

"Alan stuck with KB as they go a long way, and I was happy to have him on board as well. Anyway, KB and I have had a fair bit of success for a while now," said Gray.
 

Eternal Win races under the name of Tan’s wife Jean and cost A$50,000 as a two-year-old.

New Zealand conditioner Stephen Gray was vindicated with the confidence he has in Decimus when three-year-old broke through for his first victory in the $65,000 Restricted Maiden over 1600m on Friday night.

Gray has a healthy respect for the son of Traditionally who he believes will develop into a “good bread and butter” horse here in Singapore.

Kranji-based Kiwi trainer Stephen Gray seems to have unearthed another promising unraced youngster when the unfancied Langstraat snuck up on the inside to beat a field of maidens in the first supporting race of the Singapore Airlines International Cup 10-race programme.

And Gray later made it a double when Given Vision gave visiting Australian jockey Michael Cahill, in town to ride Beau Brummell in the KrisFlyer International Sprint, success in the $55,000 Selangor Turf Club Class 4 Trophy over 1600m.
 

The O’Reilly three-year-old Langstraat was a NZ$70,000 purchase as a yearling and was put through the “Gray system” like many of the untried gallopers who end up in his Kranji barn.

“He’s had a few nice trials and I’m not all that surprised he won today,” said Gray of the $149 shot.

“I bought him as a yearling and he’s gone through the system like many before him – pre-trained at Dad’s (Kevin) and get them up to speed,” said Gray.

“We turned down an offer from Hong Kong as we felt he could become a class horse. He was sent here instead.

“That’s what we should do here anyway – get young stock since we can’t compete against Hong Kong to bring the more expensive ones.

“Do your homework and study the pedigree and with a bit of luck, you’re bound to end up with a few smart ones here.

“I believe that’s the way our racing is heading. With more quality young horses coming through and our great facilities, we can compete on the international stage.

“This one being a big sort by O’Reilly, there is no reason why he can’t be kept sound. That’s what racing should be all about – nurturing young horses.”

Ridden by Saimee Jumaat in the $65,000 Tabcorp Holdings Limited Trophy (1200m), Langstraat looked a forlorn hope at the 200m as he was still spotting Viva Panata (Mark Ewe), who was being hailed the winner, about three lengths.

Saimee suddenly saw a gap to the inside and steered his mount in that direction, and in a few strides, Langstraat just picked up the leaders to score impressively by 1 ¼ length from Viva Panata, with Royal Danehill (Joao Moreira) third another half-a-length away.

“He took a while to wind up but once he saw daylight he just quickened up very nicely,” said Saimee.

“I think Stephen has a horse with a future here. I won’t be surprised if he becomes as good as Big Maverick.”

Saimee is well placed to put the big wraps as he is the regular rider of the two-leg winner of last year’s Singapore Three-Year-Old Challenge Big Maverick, who is also by prolific New Zealand sire O’Reilly.

Gray only made a final decision to run his second leg winner Given Vision on Sunday morning after being concerned at how the three-year-old had worked during the week.


Given Vision (Michael Cahill) gives trainer Stephen Gray the second leg of his double.

"I think he's a good horse but I didn't like the way he worked on Friday," said Gray.

"I had his blood checked after the gallop and I was a little concerned at it so I just hand walked him to freshen him up. His blood picture improved on Friday morning and the vet's left the decision up to me.

"I was still not convinced this morning. So I walked him myself, gave him a pick and a sand roll and he came out bucking and squealing.

"It was only then I decided to press on and run him."

Given Vision came with a well timed run by Cahill to score by three-quarters-of-a-length over Brandy Dry (John Powell) with King Fury (Robbie Fradd) the same margin back in third place.

Gray said he was extremely pleased for Cahill who did a lot of the early work on the three-year-old before he headed back to Australia.

"Michael did a lot of the early education with this horse and it was a pity he didn't get to ride him at his first start," said Gray. "I think we might have repayed him with this win."

Given Vision, a son of Belong To Me from the Made Of Gold mare Autumn Valley, has now won three of his four starts and has won almost $100,000 in prizemoney for the Jupiter Stable.

Cahill made it back-to-back wins when Lucky Wish took out the $55,000 Hong Kong Jockey Club Class 4 Trophy over 1400m, defeating Seven Warrior (Robbie Fradd) by a length-and-a-half with Ara Kara (Darren Beadman) a head away third

Trainer Stephen Gray is convinced Mission Bay is shaping up as a handy stayer after his gutsy win on Friday.

The Danske four-year-old is not exactly a frequent guest at the winner’s box, having scored one solitary win in 12 previous starts, but proved in the $55,000 Class 4 Division 2 race (1600m) he was not without ability, and his racing pattern also suggested he was looking for more ground.

After settling in a lovely position in fifth on the rails for Irish jockey Mark Gallagher, Mission Bay looked like he would gobble up the field when he was angled out for his run at the top of the straight. But he suddenly seemed to labour under pressure as leader Brandy Dry (Jacky Low) found a second wind on the rails to hang on to his narrow lead.

 

Mission Bay (Mark Gallagher) gets the upperhand in the closing stages of Race
3 on Friday.

Old Faithful (Barend Vorster) was also hard at work in the middle but could not quite finish it off. Gallagher did not give up and in a last desperate lunge, Mission Bay got up to score by a neck from Old Faithful, with Brandy Dry third separated by a similar margin.

The winning time was a smart 1min 35.3secs.

Mission Bay is raced by the Mission Stable and has now earned his connections around $88,000 in prizemoney.

“The addition of blinkers over 1400m at his last run woke him up a little,” said Gray.

“But he’s always been crying for longer. I will now start him over 2000m in a Class 4 race.

“He’s a horse that has taken time to develop and mature. He’s won for a good owner of mine.

“KB (Soo) normally rides him, but I used Mark today as he had a light weight. I always like to give a chance to a good range of riders as they need to earn a living, too.”

Gallagher for one was grateful he was put on Gray’s payroll and Mission Bay’s back.

“He jumped quickly early and settled very well. Everything ran smoothly, so much so I thought at one stage he could win easily,” said Gallagher.

“He’s a well-paced individual, but then he did not quite quicken as I expected. It took a little more work to get him to win, but he showed he would stay all day.

“He’s getting stronger all the time. He should be able to be see out 1800m to 2000m.”

Trainer Stephen Gray was particularly delighted with the debut win of Ryan James on Friday.

First off, the Thorn Park three-year-old is named after his son James, (who in a not-too-distant past had James Pony named after him) while Ryan is the horse’s breeder Bill Gleeson’s son’s name.

Name trivia aside, Ryan James was bought over by Gray from his friend Gleeson back in New Zealand, after his sale to Hong Kong connections fell through.


Ryan James brings up a winning treble for Australian jockey Vlad Duric with a
debut win in Race 6 on Friday night.

“It’s very pleasing he won because I bought out my partner and very good friend, after the horse twice failed a vet test after he was sold to Hong Kong for big money,” recalled Gray.

“I then decided to bring him up here. Unfortunately my friend sold his share but the horse is still named after his son Ryan. So there is still some vested interest in the horse.

“He obviously was very green in the home straight, but he looks like he has a future here.”

After settling in midfield, Ryan James (Vlad Duric), who was punted down to solid $12 favouritism, inched up closer at the top of the straight. But a trio made up of Samurai Kid (John Powell), Viva Panata (Mark Ewe) and Trigger Success (Taib Affandi) were fighting out the finish, and looked out of reach.

But as soon as Ryan James saw daylight, he stormed home on the outside, and though he laid in badly, he finished the best to get up by a neck in a blanket finish from Samurai Kid, with Viva Panata, third another head away and Trigger Express fourth, beaten by a short head.

The win also brought up a terrific treble for Duric, who had saluted earlier aboard the Len Treloar-trained Master Key and Secondtonone.

Ryan James carried the famous blue and yellow checked colours of Gray’s Copper Belt Racing from his home country of New Zealand.

Trainer Stephen Gray bookended the Queen Elizabeth II Cup meeting with two promising horses hailing from his yard - Trigger Legacy and Given Vision.

The Kiwi handler believes he has a promising stayer on his hands after the solid victory of Trigger Legacy in the $65,000 Sweet Charity Initiation Stakes over 1600m on Sunday.

Gray – whose father Kevin took the Group 1 Australian Oaks in Sydney on Saturday with three-year-old filly Daffodil – says Trigger Legacy will now go for a spell but believes the gelding can make it as a stayer in Singapore.

Ridden by in-form jockey Vlad Duric, Trigger Legacy led for the major part of the 1600m journey in scoring by three-quarters-of-a-length over Maraeti (Saimee Jumaat) with Flash Gordon (Din Azis) running on for third, a length-and-three-quarters away.

Trainer Stephen Gray lauded the Singapore Turf Club’s veterinarians for their spot-on judgement call after Imperial Green made a long overdue return to the winner’s box on Sunday.

The smart Senor Pete four-year-old, who had not won since last September, was getting back on song when he suffered an untimely setback last week.

“He was coughing after his work on Monday. We had him scoped and it revealed mucus in his respiratory system,” said Gray.

“We had to treat him straightaway and obviously we had to cut back on his work as well.”

Imperial Green (Saimee Jumaat) overcomes his coughing problem to get right on target in Race 8 on Sunday.
 

Things still looked bleak after a quiet gallop on Thursday when another battery of tests still showed presence of mucus and a high level of white blood cells. It looked touch-and-go for Gray who had all along earmarked Sunday’s $95,000 Kranji Stakes B race (1800m) as the ideal trial run in the lead-up to his ultimate target, the Group 2 Queen Elizabeth II Cup on April 19.

But Gray relied on Dr Eugene Reynders and Dr Dan Shaw’s good counsel and decided all was not lost.

“The vets told me to start him, and I used their call. He was short of work but I had to get him into that race,” said Gray.

“For once he had a good ride and he knuckled down really hard to score a narrow win. He ran very well at his last run in the Four-Year-Old Mile, and I could have picked the Chairman’s Trophy, but I deliberately wanted to bring him back to his own class before he tackles the QEII Cup.

"That run will top him off nicely for the QEII Cup. He will improve by many lengths."

After an ideal run at the back of the field, Imperial Green ground his way forward to be prominent at the top of the straight. Win In (Robbie Fradd) was putting in the big bounds on the outside while Corragio (John Powell) also looked a huge danger down the middle, but Imperial Green finished a touch faster to slot in between those two runners and get up by a neck from Corragio, with Win In a head away in third.

Imperial Green is owned by SH Stable and was at his fifth win from 14 starts and has already earned over $250,000 in prizemoney. 

Given Vision got off to a flying start at his Kranji racing career when he overcame a tough trip out three deep to win at debut, and at the same time, give jockey Peter Knuckey a belated birthday present.

The Perth rider, who only a few weeks ago was finding the winning post rather elusive, only to break his duck at his 82^nd ride with Marco Kid two weeks ago, and go on to win his first Group race in Singapore aboard The Hornet in the Group 3 Four-Year-Old Mile last Saturday, turned 35 on Tuesday.

“I had turtle soup on my birthday, but that sure feels better!” Knuckey joked.


Given Vision (Peter Knuckey) scores an impressive debut win on Wednesday.

The Stephen Gray-trained Given Vision sure does not go like a turtle. Jumping smartly from his wide alley in the $65,000 Restricted Maiden (2 & 3YO) race (1200m), the Belong To Me three-year-old was ridden out by Knuckey as they vied for the lead in a line of four horses, with Czarina (Barend Vorster) eventually spiralling over out the widest to get the upperhand.

Given Vision eased off the speed but remained handy albeit kept three wide throughout. At the top of the straight, at least four runners could have the last say, but Given Vision finished the best to defeat Viking Power (Mohd Zaki) by three parts of a length.

“He’s a very good horse I bought from the trials in New Zealand. He came from last to run second at both his trials,” said Gray.

“Nobody liked him at the sales as he had a white face and four white legs, but that was okay with me - I got him at a discount.”

Given Vision is now owned by Jupiter Stable and cost a mere NZ$10,000 as a yearling.

“I think he is a staying type that should prove useful to us. I bought him from Peter Johnson, who used to ride in Singapore during the Bukit Timah days,” said Gray.

“I feel a bit sorry for Michael Cahill who has done all the work on him. Michael did tell me he liked the horse and he’s the one who told me to start him over Polytrack as it would feel like a staying race to him.”

Knuckey, who is now at his fourth Kranji win, feels he is only starting to get the hang of Singapore racing now.

“I didn’t quite understand the ratings here when I just arrived. As I ride light I was getting a lot of lowly-weighted horses, but a lot of them were not the right horses,” said Knuckey.

“When they run good it looks good, but when they run nowhere, it makes you look bad.

“But my old master Colin Webster always drilled into my head that only hard work brings results, and it couldn’t ring truer here.”

Last Saturday’s victory in the $35,000 Class 5 Stakes on Sea Of Tranquility was a breakthrough of sorts for 22 year-old apprentice Mohamad Azrull.

It was just his second victory for the year having posted his initial 2008 success aboard the David Hill trained Lucky Banker back in January.

Injury and personal problems forced Azrull from the saddle for around four months and it was about three weeks ago that the jockey was seen back in action on the racetrack.

After a promising start to his career which netted five winners during 2007, Azrull suffered a dislocated shoulder earlier this year which put him on the sidelines.

This and a few personal problems saw him become disillusioned with racing and it was then that his master Stephen Gray stepped in to help sort him out.

Sea Of Tranquility gives Mohamad Azrull a comeback victory.
 

“He’s a good kid and a hard worker,” said Gray. “I told him to take some time off and get his life back in order.

“A lot of kids around his age go through these sort of problems. It can make or break them. To his credit he’s worked through them and sorted his life out.”

Azrull said if it wasn’t for Gray and the help of the Singapore Turf Club stipendiary stewards then his career could well have been over just as it was beginning.

“I’ve had a lot of support from the boss and the stewards as well,” said Azrull. “I needed time to sort through some problems I was having in my life and they were very understanding.

“The boss said I needed time away and I took his advice. I wasn’t concentrating on my riding like I should have been.

“At the same time I was able to get over my injury and now – hopefully – I can get my career back on track.”

Besides the advice of Gray and the support from the steward’s panel, Azrull also sought the advice of leading jockey Saimee Jumaat.

“Saimee’s been a bit of a mentor of mine,” said Azrull. “He told me to be patient and work hard and things will get better.

“He also said that a lot of jockeys have been through what happened to me especially in the early stages of their careers.

“I’ve been lucky. I’ve had a lot of support from Stephen who has been there for me all the way through.”

Azrull’s woes have resulted in him having just the 23 rides for the 2008 season, which has netted him two wins and four placings.

He has just the one ride at Kranji on Friday night – in the opening event – the $35,000 Maiden Stakes over 1200m on the Polytrack in which he will partner the Gray trained Working Wealth.

The gelding has had eight starts and has figured in the money of just one occasion. Interestingly Azrull was aboard the gelding at that outing back in February in maiden grade over 1400m behind Lim’s Joy.

While Azrull would like to get a few more opportunities, he understands why Gray is restricting his rides.

“I can see what the boss is trying to do with,” said Azrull. “He’s easing me gently back into racing. He doesn’t want me to be in a hurry.

“He’s also protecting my shoulder. It’s strengthening up all the time and I’m real happy with how it’s going.”

Lightly-raced Imperial Green (NZ), ridden by departing Australian but Kiwi-based jockey Gavin McKeon, made it three wins from six starts when successful in the $65,000 Graduation Stakes over 1600m on Sunday.

But first the gelding had to survive an objection that was lodged by John Powell rider of the runner-up Ruling Power who was beaten a length-and-three quarters.

Tobias (Ronnie Stewart), fresh form his maiden victory on July 25, finished third, a further head away.

Another shrewd spot by father and astute horseman Kevin seems to have handed trainer Stephen Gray yet another smart horse in his yard.

Imperial Green, a three-year-old son of Senor Pete, caught the eye of Gray senior after running second in a jumpout in New Zealand. A trainer in his own right himself, Gray, who often supplies some of his son’s cattle, was straight to the phone and unselfishly recommended the Kranji-based Gray to snap him up.

“He ran second to the horse who went on to win the New Zealand Derby, C’est La Guerre,” said Gray after Imperial Green scored his second win from only four starts in the $55,000 Class 4 race (1600m) on Friday night.

“I’m glad for the owner Anthony (Ng) who is a first-time owner. I was recently introduced to him and he immediately put his trust in me to find a new horse for him.

“He paid good money for this one. He also has another two-year-old by Van Nistelrooy with me.”

“Stephen is a very good trainer. I left it to him to find me a good horse and he was spot-on,” said Ng who races the promising youngster under the SH banner.

Punted down to short-priced favouritism at $9, Imperial Green was given a peach of a ride by jockey Robbie Fradd, who never panicked when tearaway leader Prior King (Eric Legrix) seemed to scoot clear at an unabated rate at the top of the straight.

“He’s got such an amazing turn of foot. He was chasing Eric all the time but once he got there, he just slacked off,” said Fradd.

Considering he still thumped his rivals by 3 ½ lengths, Imperial Green can only leave to the imagination how far he can go and certainly has Gray eyeing off bigger prizes.

“I would love him to run in the third leg of the Three-Year-Old Challenge but we’ll have to see how he pulls up first,” said Gray. The 1600m race is due to be run on July 27.

“I skipped the second leg because he’s still very young and I didn’t think he was ready for such a race.

“I will have to discuss with Robbie if he will stay on the horse, should he line up before I make a final decision.”

Gray explained that the South African jockey got the leg-up at the gelding’s third start after his first two choices Ronnie Stewart and Eric Legrix were sidelined by suspension.

“I kept Robbie on so I have a better idea where he stands. Whether he stays on for the big race now depends on how committed he is to other rides,” said Gray.

Trainer Stephen Gray made a welcome return to the racetrack for the first time in over a month and witnessed a promising galloper in the making.

Gray, sidelined through ill health, saw the promising Imperial Green score an impressive win in the $65,000 Restricted Maiden second division for Two and Three-Year-Olds over 1400m.

The adage that behind every man’s success there is a woman could not have rung truer for the Gray couple.

Sidelined by a gall bladder infection for the last three weeks, trainer Stephen Gray is luckily on the road to recovery after a successful operation, but is not quite ready to look after his beloved horses just yet.

Wife Bridget, a former track rider and a more than handy stable manager when she is not minding the two kids, has been deputising as trainer in her husband’s absence, and has certainly stepped up to the plate. 

“Looks like I’m doing a pretty good job at it,” said Mrs Gray upon leading in Elegant Spirit after winning the $55,000 Class 4 Div 2 race (1400m). “Not sure I will get to keep the job for long, though.

Gray is expected to be back to work in a week’s time as long as the doctors give him the all clear.

“We have been through a tough time but luckily the stable has rolled along thanks to  our fantastic staff,” said Bridget.

And the winners have not stopped rolling along either. Gray saddled a treble with Goldschatz, Al Nader and Mission Impossible on May 17, which was the best medicine the New Zealand mentor could ever hope for, while he was recuperating at home.

“I’m sure he will be at home watching this latest winner on TV,” said Bridget. “Elegant Spirit has put some weight back on (14kg) and we were confident he would run well fresh-up.

“Benny (Woodworth) rode him brilliantly from the back and he finished very well for a super win.”

Unsighted for most of the trip the six-year-old by Deputy Governor was angled out wide by Woodworth in the home straight to get the better of his 12 rivals.

Favourite Inzaghi ($15), with John Powell aboard, had every chance on the fence but was left without an answer when Gray’s galloper swiftly swept past on the outside. Dustin with Barend Vorster up was also in the hunt down the middle and did well to run second three parts of a length away.

Elegant Spirit, who had not won since August 5, has now chalked up three wins in 32 starts, bringing his stakes close to the $130,000 mark for the DOC Stable.

Bridget joked that maybe Stephen should stay away more often after Sea Of Tranquility made it a double for the stable when successful in the $55,000 Class 4 Stakes over 1600m later in the day.

"We've been having a good run of late, but I can't wait for Stephen to get back to work," said Bridget. "Getting up at 4.30am is starting to take its toll.

"Stephen has come down to the stables over the past couple of days. He's sat in his buggy but is keeping an eye on things.

"He can't too do much more as he gets tired very quickly. But he'll be at home now, with his feet up watching to Super 14's Rugby and the races.

"He'll have the best of both world's today."


Sea Of Tranquility (Saimee Jumaat) gives Stephen Gray a double on Saturday.

Bridget paid tribute to the winning ride of Saimee Jumaat aboard Sea Of Tranquility who defeated Ace Arriba (Noel Callow) by three-quarters-of-a-length with Lim's Swing (Oscar Chavez) a head away third.

"He rated the horse beautifully," Bridget said of Saimee's ride. "It's great to be winning races and rides like that go a long way to helping.

"The owner is away in England at the moment and this horse has had a lot of problems over the years, but he's consistent and to win another race is great," she said.

Sea Of Tranquility is a six-year-old New Zealand-bred son of Istidaad from the Stylish Century mare Stylish Creation. Saturday's victory was his sixth in 38 starts and he's now secured around $180,000 in prizemoney.

One could not begrudge New Zealand conditioner Stephen Gray a winning treble on the first day of the Singapore Airlines International Cup weekend.

Gray was deputised at Kranji by wife Bridget who said Stephen had only been discharged from Gleneagles Hospital this morning.

“He had a gangrenous gall bladder which had also affected the appendix,” said Bridget Gray. “We thought it could have been the heart too because he had a tingling feeling on the arm.


Goldschatz (Mark Gallagher) does enough to get there on time. Second is
Triple Seven (Danny Beasley).

Goldschatz broke through for his second victory and luckily it wasn't Gray's heart that was crook, because the gelding, ridden by Mark Gallagher, as opposed to his last-start four-length rout, had to dig deep to get past a very tough Triple Seven (Danny Beasley).

“But the surgery was successful and Stephen is currently recuperating from home. I’m sure he would have watched the win on TV.”

The Gray stable rung up their treble with Goldschatz in the $55,000 Tabcorp Holdings Limited Trophy, Al Nader in the $75,000 Sydney Turf Club Trophy and in the final event with Mission Impossible in the $65,000 Novice Stakes over 1200 metres.

The well-tried Zoom (Adam Fiezan) was in command for most of the 1800m event for Class 4 gallopers with the other Gray Manuka (Bruce Herd) on his outside.

Goldschatz (x Pins) had as usual drifted back to midfield with cover but had his head held high on a few occasions. The $19 favourite however made good ground around the home turn but could not quite switch across heels with Super Sunday (Eric Legrix) electing for the same route on his outside.

Goldschatz shifted back across the inside and found a gap between Aspirant Eager and Lim’s Melody to set off after Triple Seven who had in the meantime made a beeline for the post along the rails.

The final 150m turned into a stirring battle between the two runners with Goldschatz slowly getting the upperhand to win by half a length from a very resilient Triple Seven.

“It was always going to be harder today with the heat. He was very keen throughout the race,” said Gallagher as he wiped beads of sweat off his forehead.

“Once he got the split he hit the front and showed plenty of grit to get past the leader. He’s a horse who is still maturing and is a nice horse on the up.

“I would like to dedicate this win to Stephen and wish him a full and quick recovery. I’m very grateful to Steve to have stuck with me even when the horse kept running second.”

Goldschatz had a frustrating run of five seconds in a row under the Irish jockey before finally breaking through for his maiden win on April 25.

Swiss owner Stephan Herzog (pictured above with Bridget Gray) was elated with the win but again stressed a win is not be-all and end-all.

“I was concerned about the heat today, but he’s won again and most importantly he’s come back healthy,” said the manager for cosmetics brand Estee Lauder.

“Stephen told me that even when he was running second all the time, in his mind, he thought he had won!

“I hope this win will give Stephen some encouragement as he has just come through a tough time. Get well soon, Steven!”

The double was rung up by Al Nader in a Class 3 affair over 1200 metres.

Ridden by Saimee Jumaat, Al Nader scored by a short head over Guerilla (Adam Fiezan) with Beau Brummell (Mark Gallagher) three-quarters-of-a-length away third.



Al Nader (Saimee Jumaat) just touches off Guerilla (Adam Fiezan) in Race 8.

"That one's for Stephen," Saimee said after dismounting. "At the top of the straight I always thought he was going to win.

"But soon after Adam (Fiezan on Guerilla) started to come out. He still dug deep and luckily we got up and won."

Bridget paid tribute to Gray's staff who have kept the stable rolling since he went down with his illness.

"It's been a great day for Stephen," she said. "It all couldn't have happened without having the support of a great team.

"Stephen and I would like to thank our staff, Steve, Jacqueline, Matt and all the boys who have been great during this difficult times.

"I've also got to thank all the owners. Their support throughout all this has just been great."

Bridget put the success of Al Nader down to the fact there was plenty of pace in the race and that the gelding was racing without blinkers.

"He over-raced last time and was very wide with the blinkers on," she said. "We wanted him to relax, so the blinkers came off and we saw the result today."

Al Nader's victory was his fourth from 13 starts. A son of Sandtrap from the Danzatore mare Danza Jig, Al Nader has now won close on $190,000 for the Asmara Stable.

Mission Impossible's victory was rung up in Novice company over 1200 metres.

Ridden by Eric Legrix, Mission Impossible scored by a head over Superb and denying a treble for John Meagher and Danny Beasley. John Of Arch (Mark Gallagher) was three-quarters-of-a-length away third.

"We decided to ride him off the speed," Legrix said. "He had too much pressure on him last time and he just couldn't get there.

"Today's win was good. He's got a big heart and a big future."

Second is always better than third, but in the case of Goldschatz, third would not even be thought of.

Stephen Gray’s four-year-old is still a maiden in eight starts, but has strung up an amazing run of five successive seconds from his last five runs which began on New Year's Day, a mini record among Kranji’s eternal bridesmaids.

“That would have to be a record, wouldn’t it?” asked the Kiwi trainer who is praying for an end to the frustrating pattern in Friday’s Class 4 race over 1600m - and he didn’t mean a third place result.

“I hope he wins this Friday, a second would be okay for consistency I guess, but not a third!” he laughed. “It’s almost like an unbeaten horse getting his first taste of defeat!

“The owner is pretty happy with the seconds actually. He was once away in New Zealand and was hoping for the horse to run second as he was not around.”

Goldschatz (Mark Gallagher, No 8), seen here at his latest second placing, this one from Lim's Joy on April 11, will be looking forward to an upgrade of this all-too-familiar position on Friday. 
 

Goldschatz, which means a pot of gold in German, is the only horse owned by Stephan Herzog. The Swiss manager for cosmetics brand Estee Lauder will be at Kranji on Friday, and certainly bent on dropping the second banana tag once and for all.

“He’s only a little horse and isn’t the easiest horse to ride as he gets back,” said Gray.

“I keep putting Mark (Gallagher) on him as there was nothing wrong with the way he has ridden him so far.

“Besides, Mark knows the horse very well and thinks he is of above average ability.

“I could have raced him in a Maiden race to make things easier for him, but what for run for only $35,000 when he is up to Initiation class which offers much better prize money?

“He is a nice stayer in the making but unfortunately there weren’t too many Initiation 1600m races around.”

Goldschatz, by boom New Zealand sire Pins, also the sire of Lim’s Prestige who offered Gray his first Singapore Derby last year, has only raced in Initiation (only one was over 1600m) and Class 4 races thus far.

He will jump from barrier 2 on Friday and will have the vastly-improved Galleria and last-start winners Titan Delight and Hello Clint as main adversaries.

“It would be great for Stephan and his lovely wife if they could see their horse finally break his duck on Friday,” said Gray.

“It would also be great for Bridget (Gray’s wife). She will get loads of makeup goodie bags!”

On a night when a group of German expatriates were celebrating at the Kranji races, Goldschatz which means gold treasure in German, could not possibly have settled for second fiddle again.

Five times second at his last five runs, the Pins four-year-old finally broke the hoodoo when he thumped his rivals in the $55,000 Class 4 race (1600m) to score by four lengths from Hello Clint.

Trainer Stephen Gray who had been at his wits’ end trying to unlock the winning streak in his galloper was a happy man at the winner’s enclosure.

Sea Of Tranquility recorded his first win in almost three years when successful in the $35,000 Class 5 Charity Trophy over 1400 metres on Sunday.

Sent out a well tried $16 chance, Sea Of Tranquility, ridden by Adam Fiezan, led practically throughout to score by one-and-a-quarter lengths over Mighty Rajah (Taib Affandi) with Swift Arrow (Noel Callow) a length-and-three-quarters away third.

Since his days as a three-year-old when prepared by Laurie Laxon, Sea Of Tranquility has undergone two bouts of knee surgery to make it back to the racetrack.

Trainer Stephen Gray said Sea Of Tranquility was a sentimental favourite of Paul Hickman, the owner of the six-year-old.

“Sea Of Tranquility gave Paul his very first winner as an owner,” Gray said. “He’s a sentimental favourite of his, but he’s had a lot of problems.”

The gelding doesn’t see a lot of the training tracks and Gray keeps him fit by using the treadmill and a lot of swimming.

“I’ve had to re-program him,” Gray said. “He spends a lot of his time on the treadmill and a lot of swimming.

“His knees aren’t good and every now and then I’ve got to back off on him. He’s a horse that prefers some cut in the ground, but in his right class he’s a very capable horse.

“Early in his career he looked like being a more than handy horse, but then he had knee problems and the best hasn’t been seen from him.”

Gray said the class rating system that changed early in the year had set Sea Of Tranquility back, but he’s glad to have the gelding back in winning form.

“Class 5 is his grade now,” Gray said. “They changed the ratings earlier in the year and it didn’t help him, but he’s back to his right class now and hopefully we can pick up another race or two with him.”

Queen’s Avenue made it back-to-back wins on Sunday when he came out tops in the $55,000 Class 4 Division 2 race (1400m).

While he scored at his last start without any blinkers, the addition of the headgear certainly did no harm to his winning form.


Queen's Avenue (Eric Legrix) pulls away to an easy win in Race 5 on Sunday.

Ridden by regular partner Eric Legrix, the Hurricane Sky four-year-old was never far from the leading bunch and only signalled his intentions halfway up the straight when he unleashed a nice turn of foot to get the better of Super Link (Mark Ewe) by 1 ½ lengths.

It was a contrast from his pillar-to-post victory on February 23, but trainer Stephen Gray had hatched a plan with Legrix for a different set of tactics given the stronger class he was up against.

“He beat nothing at his last maiden win and I knew it wouldn’t be so easy today,” said Gray.

“Eric who does all the riding on him told me to try the blinkers on him last week and boy he went super with them. I thought why not put them on in his races.

“He settled well with cover and accelerated very well in the straight. I think he can only get better after this win and can even win in Class 3.”

The two top fancies Jeram Future and Royal Kazak never really justified the punters’ trust, finishing fifth and seventh respectively.

Gray who has had a quiet patch of late (last winner was Temujin on Feb 24) was relieved to turn out another winner, especially after odds-on favourite Mission Impossible found two better earlier on. He now sits on 10 wins for the season.

“It’s always a great feeling when your horse wins. This one was a bit of a problem when he just arrived,” said Gray.

“He couldn’t acclimatise to the local conditions and was always dry-coated, but he sweats all right now and is shaping up as a very nice horse.”

Trainer Stephen Gray saddled a treble at Kranji on Saturday, with two horses who were at their first wins for him - Recycle King and Queen's Avenue - while the final leg of the trio was with fresh winner My Face.
 
Each winner had their special moments for Gray but somehow the grin was wider with Recycle King's victory in Race 3.

“He’s a very good horse, but he had been unlucky at his first start when he played up in the barriers and was caught wide throughout in a very good field,” said Gray.

“But to win today, from a wide draw again and at such good odds ($77) and for a first-time owner who is a very good man, it just makes my day.”

Recycle King is owned by Recycle Stable, headed by a Thailand-based waste management businessman. He also owns Recycle Triumph who is also handled by Gray.

Gray revealed Recycle King was sent for a mini spell after his November 11 debut “to settle him down”, and the patient strategy paid instant dividends.

Ridden by Ronnie Stewart, Recycle King broke well from his barrier 14 to spear over to a prominent position three wide behind leaders Happy Feet (Mohd Zaki) and Captain Sequalo (Mohd Razali).

Stewart kept him tagging along, saving enough for that last dash to the winning post. At the top of the straight, Recycle King was ready to have his say as the two leaders capitulated.

Recycle King however took a few strides to reach full gear, as Prince Goldheart (Eurico da Silva) loomed up threateningly along the fence. But the son of Viking Ruler soon put the issue beyond doubt at the 100m to rally home a 2 ½ length winner from Prince Goldheart, with King And Kingdom (Noel Callow) running on for third, half a length away.

“He should have raced two weeks ago but he kicked a wall and got sore behind. He was well ridden by Ronnie today and I think he can go up to the mile.”

Recycle King was purchased by Gray himself at the Ready To Run Sale in New Zealand, and cost NZ$60,000 as a two-year-old.

Gray's double was a walk in the park when short-priced favourite proved too strong for his 11 rivals in the $35,000 Maiden-1 (1400m).

Partnered by Eric Legrix, Queen's Avenue (x Hurricane Sky) got away with cheap sectionals as he dictated terms upfront. Righthererightnow (Mohd Airy) was the only one who looked like he could throw the gauntlet, but Airy was not able to ride him out as he wished and the bird had flown.

Queen's Avenue floored the opposition with ease to score by 2 1/4 lengths from Batman Kid (Shinobu Sakai) who ran on well to pinch second spot by a neck from Righthererightnow.

"He's had his issues, like he's very dry-coated and he's taken a long time to acclimatise. I'm glad he's got a win today just to boost his confidence," said Gray.

My Face's victory was for four expat owners who wanted to get into racing here with Gray.

"Rather than them buying a horse outright I encouraged them to buy a half share in a good horse from New Zealand," Gray said.

"Well known Cambridge breeder Stu Munro retained a half-share in My Face and it has proved profitable for all concerned," he said.

My Face, ridden by Ronnie Stewart, showed great fight to score by a neck over Royal Danske (John Powell) with Chancellor (Mark Gallagher) three-quarters-of-a-length away third.

Gray said he made a mistake in running My Face on January 11 after his debut win back in late December.

"He didn't like the sand being thrown back in face last time so I was a little bit concerned going into this race," he said.

Trainer Stephen Gray has lofty expectations for debut winner Mission Impossible following his victory in the $65,000 Restricted Maiden over 1200 metres on Sunday.

A three-year-old son of Ustinov, a son of former Melbourne Cup winner Let’s Elope, Mission Impossible was a $65,000 purchase as a two-year-old from a Ready To Sale in New Zealand.

After missing the start slightly, Eric Legrix quickly drove Mission Impossible through to take the lead on settling and he travelled kindly in front over Leading General (Barend Vorster) and Future Mission (Adam Fiezam).

Eric Legrix looks around but there's no one in sight.

Kiwi trainer Stephen Gray’s good memory of his former horses’ pedigree went a long a way towards picking up another win on Friday night when Temujin saluted in the $65,000 Restricted Maiden (2&3YO) race (1200m) on the turf.

The St George Stable-owned galloper is a full-brother to one of Gray’s more useful racers, Lim’s Secret, but it was the dam Nightly Class who led Gray on his path.
“I remember that mare as the mother of Lim’s Secret. She throws the best sprinters around,” said Gray.

“When I saw her name in a New Zealand yearlings sale catalogue, I looked up her progeny and he turned out to be by Secret Savings as well – so they are full brothers!

“I then bought the horse through a private sale and he has proven to be a very good buy.”

Temujin, a well-put together but headstrong individual who had one prior Kranji start when he ran second to Michael Clements’ Jolie’ Shinju on New Year’s Day, did give the barrier attendants a torrid time at the start, but was the perfect professional once he was set free by the starter.

Jumping from his barrier 6, Temujin bolted to the leader in a flash and opened up four lengths on the rest within 150m of the start. Favourite Carry On Glory (Noel Callow) tried to close the gap from the backstretch, but it was to no avail when Legrix let down the handbrakes.

Temujin lengthened stride to go and score an easy win by 3 ¾ lengths from Carry On Glory, with King And Kingdom (Danny Beasley) three parts of a length away. The winning time was a solid 1min 10.4secs.

Legrix who rode him in all his trials and at his debut, is not about to swop his place for anyone else on this promising youngster.

Sand specialist Sandstorm had win No 3 all wrapped up from the start of the $35,000 Class 5 fibresand race (1200m) on Friday.

Ridden by Ronnie Stewart, the Sandtrap six-year-old got away with cheap sectionals in the lead, and by the home turn it was a question of who would get closer to him at the business end.

Favourite Wichita (Alan Ng) tried his darnedest but the best he could do was settle for second two lengths away. Golden Tiger (Saimee Jumaat) flashed home on the outside to take third spot, another three parts of a length away, looking for further.

Sandstorm is owned by a group of Kiwi owners known as Storm Force, who decided to race him in Singapore because of his obvious inclination for sand racing. He has now racked up just under $100,000 in stakes from 33 starts.

“I didn’t think he could win. But they went slow and no-one put any pressure on him,” said winning trainer Stephen Gray.

“Every dog has his day.”

By Michael Lee - Singapore Turf Club

Ronnie Stewart drives Stradivarious to the winning post

It looks like Ronnie Stewart has already made one New Year's resolution - to forgive and forget. The Sydney jockey started the new Kranji season with a win aboard a horse who used to be in his bad books.
 

Stradivarious thwarted the challenge of a line-up of horses inside the last 100m of the $55,000 Class 4 race (1400m) at Kranji, putting behind the suspension Stewart copped from a charge of careless riding while on his back on October 27.

“That’s the horse that got me four days last year,” said Stewart.

“I didn’t want to ride him at first but I’m glad I changed my mind.”

All love lost between the pair was quickly restored when the Stravinsky six-year-old pounced on leader and stablemate Championship (Sam Subian) just after straightening up.

He looked collared when a dual attack from King Fury (Saimee Jumaat) and Morgan (Barend Vorster) seemed to materialise on his outside but a persistent ride by Stewart saw his mount plod home by a nose.

Trainer Stephen Gray, who was back in his native New Zealand to be one of the first earthlings to usher in the new year, would certainly have a good reason to extend the celebrations with his first winner of the year.

By Michael Lee - Singapore Turf Club

Other than a brief scare towards the end, Pent In Time gave French jockey Eric Legrix little to worry about with a pillar-to-post victory in the $65,000 Restricted Maiden (2 & 3YO) race (1200m).

Unlike at his last start when he jumped from a wide alley and was caught wide, Pent In Time, who was punted down to $12 favouritism, had the race in his keeping the moment he settled into the lead from his marble one.

Legrix rated the Pentire gelding to the minute with second favourite King’s Weapon (Benny Woodworth) battling away in fourth, five to six lengths behind.

Eric Legrix picks up a late Christmas present aboard Pent In Time 

But while Pent In Time was always going to find the line first, King’s Weapon was winding up threateningly inside the last 150m and managed to cut back the deficit to only one length at the winning post.

“It’s a nice Christmas present, a little late, but nice,” said Legrix.
 

“He’s still a big baby. He likes to stargaze and that’s why the blinkers went on him today.

“I was a little worried when Benny’s horse came charging home inside the last 100m, but luckily the winning post arrived on time for us.

“Look, my horse was drawn in gate one and Benny’s was wide. He couldn’t cross and my horse always held the rails.

“That’s a definite advantage, especially on fibresand.”

Trainer Stephen Gray was not on hand to lead in his 36^th winner as he had gone to New Zealand for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Legrix came back for seconds three races later when he took out the $35,000 Class 5 race (1200m) with fibresand specialist Hommono. The Japanese-bred settled midfield and came with a storming run on the outside to defeat favourite Perfect Align (Danny Beasley) by three parts of a length.

Legrix will look back on his first season as one with ups and down (he was suspended twice for careless riding at the beginning) but all things considered, it was not a bad start as he ended the year with a tally of nine wins from 97 rides.

By Michael Lee - Singapore Turf Club

Not only did trainer Stephen Gray produce My Face for an impressive debut win in the $65,000 Restricted Maiden (1100m) (Sand) on Thursday, he promptly saddled up Al Nader to win the following event the $55,000 Class 4 Stakes (1200m) (Turf) with apprentice Mohd Azrull.

There was very little betting interest in any other horse except My Face (AUS) in the 1100m Maiden but with My Face impressing one and all in his lead up trials and work he went out a heavily supported $8 favourite, never once easing in the betting.

Ridden by jockey Ronnie Stewart, the three-year-old jumped away smartly and his early gate speed ensured from an inside draw that the son of Grass Wonder was comfortably in the lead on settling.

Ylang Ylang (Barend Vorster), Nero Grotto (Adam Fiezan) and Gold Help (Din Azis) did their best to stay in contention but it was clear from the word go that, barring unforeseen accidents, My Face was home and hosed before they even turned for home.

As the field straightened Stewart gave a little more rein to My Face and he booted away to score a six and three quarter length win, with Nero Grotto in second place and Gold Help a length away third.

“I saw this fellow at the Ready To Run Sales in New Zealand and I really liked him." said Gray.

“He went for a bit much in the ring though so we pulled out. Fortunately for us there was a minor issue with an x-ray and the breeder Stewie Monroe ended up keeping him.

“He rang me up and said he wanted to keep a half share but if I had a buyer he’d be willing to sell the other half.

“The boys (Four Boys Stable) had been at me to find them a horse and I was waiting to make sure I got them a good one.

“It’s terrific to see him win like this it’s just a shame all four of them aren’t here today but of the four, three are from the UK and the fourth is Australian.”

As for the unusual name?

“There’s a very interesting story behind the naming of this horse,” added Gray. “But unfortunately it’s not reportable!

“Name or no name though, he’ll run in the 3YO Sprint next month. I’m looking forward to seeing him develop he’s a very nice horse.”

The Gray double arrived 40 minutes later when Al Nader (NZ) (above) relished the conditions to lead all the way, having plenty in hand to stave off Asian Champ (Mark Ewe) and Lucky Lucky (YF Leong) over the concluding stages.

Al Nader won by three quarters of a length, running home in 1.10.4 on a track officially rated as yielding. The Sandtrap four-year-old was ridden by Gray's apprentice Azrull, who has been out of the limelight for a while.

"I've kept him (Azrull) away for a while as I thought he needed to be schooled up. I've even moved him from his parents to stay full-time with my staff," said Gray, an avid fan of grooming local talents.

"This kid rides well and this horse goes well for him, too. That's what 4kgs claim (actually upped to 3kgs as Azrull could not make the weight) is all about and the owners were also very understanding and supportive and gave him his chance.

"Eric (Legrix) rode Al Nader brilliantly at his last starts, even if he didn't win, but he did tell me he needed further and could use an apprentice on his back for the weight relief."

Trainer Stephen Gray hadn’t been to the Gold Coast sales before, but his first trip will no doubt be quickly followed up by another after he came home with a very promising horse in Mission Royale (AUS), who was backed off the map to start at $8/$5 on Friday night.

“It was Wade Burridge of Magic Millions who persuaded me to go along to the sales," said Gray.

"I was able to buy this one and he’s turned out to be a very nice horse. I thought he’d win his first start (2^nd) but he drew wide and while he didn’t exactly draw well today (12) we were very confident he would go well with the experience of the first run under his belt.”

Ridden by KB Soo, Mission Royale stepped out in the $65,000 Restricted Maiden (1200m) and was up close to the pace after being fired up by KB at the jump.

He settled on the outside of Blitz (Mark Gallagher) in the run but the two didn’t cut-throat each other and had equal chances in the run home.

Mission Royale let down nicely once they straightened and went home an easy three length winner from Blitz, who battled on bravely, with Mighty Lad (Robbie Fradd) in third place a further half length away.

“It’s my first horse and first winner for the Mission Stable,” said a delighted Gray.

“He’s Hong Kong based and he buys quality horses and has a couple more with me now, so I’m very happy we’ve been able to win with this one tonight.

“He (Mission Royale) was pre-trained in New Zealand at Dad’s farm and ran second in his trial so he always showed us something right from day one.”

Mission Royale by Kbenjar from Tessa Bianca ran a good second on debut when beaten by Bruce Marsh trained Royal Danske.

“That’s a good horse of Bruce’s so he did really when his first time out, that’s why we were pretty confident tonight,” added the beaming trainer.

By Jo-Ann Adams - Singapore Turf Club

Kiwi trainer Stephen Gray broke a mini-drought on Friday when newcomer Postman Tales romped home in the $65,000 Restricted Maiden (2&3YO) with the same jockey who supplied him with his last winner, Eric Legrix (King Of Honour on Nov 10).

The New Zealand colt by Postponed was hardly ever troubled from the moment he was dispatched to his maiden voyage from his inside alley. Legrix sent him to the lead and immediately switched him off, biding his time until the last 200m to get him off the bit.

Postman Tales (Eric Legrix) debuts brilliantly at Kranji 

Upon straightening Postman Tales gave his seven rivals no chance of a look-in as he skipped clear to win by just over six lengths from Prince Omaha (Saifudin Ismail).

Legrix, who rode the three-year-old in trackwork, was suitably impressed with that emphatic debut win.

“He’s a nice horse who can only progress further from that race. I had to give him a few reminders down the straight as he is still very immature," said the Frenchman.

"I think he will win more races here and can even go further. I wouldn't want anyone else to ride him!"

After such a polished display, Gray would certainly heed Legrix's call.

"I wanted to buy that horse at the New Zealand Ready To Run but he was passed in. Now he's come to me and I'm training him," said Gray.

"I saw his winning trials on video. I thought he would go well on sand and looking at the ordinary field, I thought the $65,000 was worth the shot.

"Eric gave him a nice soft run in front and he won very well. I think there are some more wins in this fella."   

By- Michael Lee - Singapore Turf Club

Grit, hard toil and a dash of French flair were the main ingredients at the end of the inaugural $75,000 Jockey Club Of Turkey Club Kranji Stakes 'C' on Saturday.

King Of Honour (AUS) who has never saluted beyond 1200m held off all challenges to last out the 1600m journey by the scruff of his neck under a cool but determined handling from top French jockey Eric Legrix.

On the outside Eric Le Grix on King Of Honour outrides KB Soo (Pin Number)
 

The Stephen Gray-trained galloper was quick out of the gates but was not able to cross from his barrier No 9. Legrix showed his guile and experience by not falling for the easy trap of getting on the fence at all costs.

Instead, he was just content to let his mount lob along, albeit off the fence from Silent Account (Erasmus Aslam), saving every drop of petrol for the crunch phase.

At the first niggle shortly after the turn, King Of Honour set sail on the winning post. But Flying Langfuhr (Ronnie Stewart) down the middle and Pin Number (Soo Khoon Beng) on the inside were not about to be outrun so summarily.

Legrix and King Of Honour turned it up a notch, stamping their position as unassailable in the last 50m. Tried as he might, Pin Number fell short by a neck on the line while Flying Langfuhr peaked on his run to finish 1 ½ lengths away.

“We had some concerns over he could stay 1600m as it was his first time over that distance,” said Legrix who has now won four races at Kranji.

“I would have liked to have a smother in a handy spot, but he was so quick that I had no choice to let him stride to the lead.

“I was quite happy to be there on my lonesome, and when the chase was on, he showed a lot of heart and courage to win.”

“Everyone said this horse was a sprinter, so it’s good in more ways than one that he’s run and won a mile!” said a delighted Gray.

“When Danny Nikolic rode him on Derby day he got off and said that he was a good tough horse who would be better suited over a mile where he’d be left alone.

“We ran him over 1400m last start and they took him and in the end his fitness told on him.

“Today he was able to relax really well and he’s run out the mile in solid fashion.”

Gray was quick to give kudos to Legrix who had been a despondent rider after the first when he had missed the kick on Gray’s King’s Avenue.

“He was very disappointed after that, he was a bit down, so I reminded him that he was an international jockey who has ridden more Group 1 winners than most and to go out there and forgot about the first race.

“He’s a brilliant rider and a brilliant person and I was thrilled to be able to give him a winner.

“He’s been riding work for me every morning and I’d told him when he first arrived that it would be November/December before I had some decent horses for him as I have a lot of young ones in the stable and we needed the time.

“Now maybe we’ll be able to kick along which would be really good, he deserves the success and it can only be good for Singapore racing to have the caliber of this type of rider.”

King Of Honour is by Medal Of Honour from Enchanting Smile and has now chalked up four wins from 10 starts. He is proving to be a handy money-spinner for his Brenda Racing connections having now earned close to $175,000 in stakes money.

Michael Lee / Jo Adams Singapore Turf Club
Saturday, November 10, 2007

Trainer Stephen Gray and his good Kiwi mate Shane Kennedy, also a trainer in New Zealand, one day hatched a plan to breed a horse they would race in Singapore for the “better prizemoney”.

Together with owner-breeder Mr Wong, the pair produced a nice bay sort they named Kiwijazz (no prizes for guessing why!). Getting him over to Kranji was not a major hassle but getting him over the line was not quite as straightforward.

In nine starts the Keeper four-year-old had managed one second and three thirds, but the general opinion about him was he had the ability but just could not channel it into a win. Until Friday in the $35,000 Maiden race (1100m) over fibresand.

With top jockey Robbie Fradd in the irons, Kiwijazz again used his early tactical speed to get to the front with little fuss. Once he found the fence, the race was won there and then.

Second fancy Captain Xaar (Noel Callow) was hot on his heels but was already under hard riding by the home turn while Kiwijazz was still on the bit. Gray’s galloper skipped clear once Fradd slipped some reins, to win by four lengths from Arowana Police (Saimee Jumaat).

“It’s the same old story of a horse with limitations, but today the drop in class and a light weight had things going his way,” said Gray.

“He’s always shown he had ability but was unlucky to have always run against strong maidens. Just look at his prize money ($42,000) for a maiden and it tells the story, doesn’t it?

“I think he’s a horse with natural ability who can even go over 1600m over grass.

'The owners together with Shane will hopefully send more horses to Singapore after that win!'

Kiwijazz is owned by Te Mania Stable, whose stakeholders include Mr Wong and Mr Kennedy. With his first win finally on board, Kiwijazz has brought up his earnings to $60,000.

By Singapore Turf Club- Michael Lee
 

Patience is a virtue and astute Kiwi trainer Stephen Gray is certainly not short of any, but he was certainly glad one of his owners was on the same wavelength in that area.

Al Nader, who cast a plate and pulled his shoulder after a race on fibresand back in April, vindicated his trainer’s decision to give him ample time to recover by taking out the $55,000 Class 4 Division 2 race (1200m) on Friday night.

The writing was already on the wall when the Sandtrap four-year-old won a trial on Tuesday by 7 ¾ lengths. The margin may have been only 1 ¼ lengths for his comeback win, but the way it was forged was just as impressive.

Al Nader (Saimee Jumaat) is home and hosed

“This is a horse with a lot of ability. He pulled up sore at his last race and at first, I thought he hurt his foot because he cast his plate,” said a delighted Gray.

“After we found out it was his shoulder, I told the owner we should just spell him, and he supported my decision 100 per cent.”

Asmara Stable is a relative newcomer to the racing game and currently has only Al Nader racing in their fetching green and black hooped colours.

“Al Nader’s been doing a lot of walking on the treadmill and he’s come on slowly but surely. Today, he’s shown he can gallop,” added Gray.

“I’m also very happy for Saimee (Jumaat) as the last horse he won on before he went away for a year was one of mine – Kiwi Delight.

“He’s been hard to get on my horses, but I’m glad we’ve finally got a winner back together.”

The seven-time champion jockey, who had just returned from a one-year disqualification following a handling charge, again showed he had not lost an ounce of his ability, judging the pace to perfection.

After taking a sit on the fence behind leader Jasper (Noel Callow), Al Nader was the horse to beat in the home-straight as he took the lead, full of running. Abdicate (Ng Kok Keong) who had coursed out wide for most of the trip, did look like he could peg him back, but when Saimee called upon Al Nader’s reserve, the favourite could only do what his name suggests.

By Michael Lee - Singapore Turf Club

Despite the shortening of price about Cherry Power ($12) following the scratching of Waikato ($11) at the barriers, there were plenty of smiles for the horse that came back from a fractured knee just under 12 months ago.

Trained by Stephen Gray and ridden by Ronnie Stewart Cherry Power (below) led all the way with Gust (Adam Fiezan) with the two inexperienced horses making every stride a winner as they went head to head over the 1100m of the $55,000 Class.

Visiting jockey Dan Nikolic had to wait until Race 5 on Sunday before notching a winner at Kranji, but he managed a treble by the end of the day.

First off, the Hong Kong-based Australian hoop did it with a ‘quality’ ride on Stephen Gray’s Manuka.

Manuka had always shown promise as a stayer early on in his career but had been disappointing in his last few starts.

That all changed though in the $55,000 Emirates Zurich Stakes over 2000m, when he romped home an impressive two and a quarter length winner.

Nikolic had the four-year-old sitting fourth in the run behind Equator (Mark Ewe), Valerian (Robbie Fradd) and Poltop (Mark Gallagher) who was caught wide without cover.

The pace was fairly genuine and Manuka’s staying abilities came to the fore when Nikolic started working for home 600m out.

The field was very compact as they turned the corner but Manuka was making every stride a winner out in the centre of the track and at the finish proved too strong for Brilliant Gold (Darren Beadman) who finished second and Our Frederik who held on for third, a neck away.

“He’s not had much luck lately and back to a Class 4 was always going to suit him,” said Gray.

“It was a quality ride. He dug him up and put him right into the race and that made the difference with the horse.”

Nikolic completed his double for trainer Don Baertschiger when he drove Blue Angel to a convincing back-to-back win in the $75,000 Class 3 Emirates Melbourne Stakes (1600m).

'It's great to have a couple of winners in Singapore, hopefully there'll be one more,' said Nikolic as he walked back to the weighing room.

'I love Singapore. I would rather live here than anywhere else.'
 
Nikolic's treble came when he again combined with Gray to win the $55,000 Emirates Skywards Stakes on King Of Honour.

By Jo Adams/Michael Lee

Trainer Stephen Gray has never made it a secret that he had always dreamed of winning the Singapore Derby one day – and his wish finally came true on Sunday when $166 longshot Lim’s Prestige came with a withering burst to clinch the Group 1 $1 million Emirates Singapore Derby on Sunday.

The New Zealander who had won the Group 2 Patrons’ Bowl with another Lim’s Stable horse – Lim’s Reward - in 2003 could barely speak as the significance of the result dawned in.

“I didn’t know what to think when he crossed the line.

“When he hit the front Bridget said he’s going to win but I didn’t know, I was in shock.

“We’ve had a tough time as a family lately and it hasn’t been an easy time at all.

“This is fantastic; it really is. I can’t believe it.”

An equally emotional Bridget Gray could not have been prouder.

“I am so proud of Stephen to win his first Group 1 like this. With the family tragedies we have had in New Zealand, it has been a hard time for all of us lately, this win today is brilliant.”

“We’ve had this horse for about year now and people didn’t believe that he would run the 2000m but we’ve always had faith in him. He’s out of a staying mare (Stirling Jo) and we always thought he would develop into a genuine stayer.

“Mr Lim Siah Mong has been a great owner. He has been with us for a long time and we couldn’t be happier to give him this Singapore Derby.”

Lim's Prestige is home and hosed for Din Azis

While Gray had pined for the time-honoured race for a long time, the same cannot be said of the winning rider Din Azis. He was only informed he would be aboard Lim’s Prestige a few minutes before the race when designated jockey Oscar Chavez was stood down after being taken ill.

Din Azis, a jockey who learned the ropes of race-riding in Adelaide, Australia, was the last one scurrying down to the parade ring, but was composed enough to take Gray’s instructions in – ride him cold and wait for the home turn.

He certainly could not be faulted for disobedience. Not known for early speed, Lim’s Prestige settled in ninth spot, one off the fence, just in front of race favourite Chevron (Ronnie Stewart) who looked in a precarious spot after blundering at the start.

Casmodado (Mark Gallagher) enjoyed a relatively easy time at the head of affairs, but around the home turn, it was highly unlikely the Derby was going his way. A slew of runners came swarming around him, with Jade (Kanichiro Fujii) and Stealth (Matthew Pumpa) looking the most dangerous, but big guns Chevron and My Royal Captain were less than conspicuous with only 200m to go.

Just when we thought we were headed for a laborious finish at the business end, a grey flash suddenly shot through the pack like a lightning bolt. It was Din Azis sporting the famous grey and red colours of Lim’s Stable, who had found a gap inside Jade, and wielding the whip like there was no tomorrow, rode his mount out to the line for a famous victory.

World Delight (Richard Lim) ran on well on the rails to grab second spot one length away, with Jade holding on for third a neck away.




Stephen Gray and owner Mr Lim Siah Mong

“This is my first Group 1. I’ve won a Group race with Royal Captain but this beats everything,” said supersub Din Azis, who could barely contain his joy.

“I was lucky to get that pick-up ride even if Oscar unfortunately missed out.

“The horse jumped very good and I was told to just ride him quiet and wait for the top of the straight.

“When I found the gap, he just kicked on very well and stretched all the way to the line.”

Mr Lim Siah Mong congratulates Din Azis

From the beaten brigade:

 

Jockey Ronnie Stewart was in a loss for words to explain Chevron’s off-colour run.

“He played up in the gates, and it was always going to be hard from where I was in the race,” said Stewart.

“I had no choice to ride him for luck but things didn’t go our way.”

“Schmeichel just didn’t stay he was pulling too hard and didn’t relax and Echague got stood on his head in the straight, what can you do?” commented a disappointed Patrick Shaw.

“It was a great run I’m very pleased he’s a definite Gold Cup horse, the 2200m will suit him better. “ said Bruce Marsh of World Delight.

“Richard (Lim) said he wanted to stargaze when he got to the front, but I’ve only had him for three starts so we’re still learning about him, but all in all it was a good effort.”

“I’m very happy with the run, he went well,” said Hideyuki Takaoka of Jade.

“He may go for the Gold Cup but we’ll have to see, I’m not sure just yet.”

“He ran the same as he did in the Derby Trial, very once paced,” said Noel Callow of My Royal Captain.

 “I couldn’t fault the horse, everything suited him but he just couldn’t quicken when I asked him to.”

“I’m really pleased for Din Azis though, it’s a great result for the locals.”

Fujii was happy with his third on Jade.

"He was always travelling well from a good barrier. The other horse was just too good," said Fujii.

By Jo Adams/Michael Lee - Singapore Turf Club

 Three wins in 24 rides is a record most rookies would love to have bragging rights to. Soft-spoken apprentice Mohd Azrull has just achieved such enviable statistics, thanks to Mexborough Ladd on Sunday, but is the first to recognize he still has everything to learn.

“I was caught wide but I decided to just sit there and ride for luck. Down the straight, my horse ran on well but I know I have to work on my steering,” said Azrull, almost bashfully.
 
Trainer Stephen Gray pointed out the positives to his young protégé during the post-race debrief, but did remind him a race could be lost if you can’t keep a horse in a straight line.

“He did very well to keep the horse on his inside and move forward at the same time when he was caught wide,” said Gray of Azrull, whom he would like to send to Australia for further racing exposure in the near future.

“If he had just sat out there he would have worked harder and that could have put paid to the horse’s chances. He did good there, but he should learn how to straighten his horse when they tend to shift out.” 

Mexborough Lad and apprentice Mohd Azrull

In the $75,000 Class 3 race (1800m), Mexborough Ladd was already out of touch when he drifted back to the inside, with Casmoadado (Andrew Calder) battling on for second. But the lesson was not lost on Azrull that in a tighter finish, steering skills could make the difference between winning and losing.

On the son of Marju's third win, Gray was taking nothing for granted with the lightly-built horse.

"He's nice genuine stayer this horse, but he's only little so we have to make sure we keep the weight off his back," said Gray. "The kid rode him well, he's got a real future in racing.

"We were very confident today and now we can look ahead to his long term goal which will be the Singapore Gold Cup towards the end of the year."

Michael Lee - Singapore Turf Club

Rookie Mohd Azrull has finally lived his lifelong dream of riding a winner when he scored aboard Maxi Marine at Kranji on Friday.

The young apprentice jockey who went to Queensland, Australia to learn the trade knew all along his turn would come, helped by the knowledge his mentor Stephen Gray, would support him with good rides.

One of them was Maxi Marine, whom Azrull had been riding regularly in trackwork.

“I knew the horse was in tip-top shape going into the race. He’s been working really well and I was just hoping things would go my way during the race,” said Azrull, 21, who had just completed his National Service.

Maxi Marine (x Mellifont) was never to be outsped once he came out of the barriers. Scenic Delight (Oscar Chavez) was right on his outside while a line of four horses were biding their time a few yards in arrears.

Scenic Delight was already a goner as he carted out wide around the home turn. Maxi Marine skipped clear, and while it is always a concern how a greenhorn will handle the pressure in the last 100m, Azrull scored full marks as he displayed a good balance and riding action to drive his mount home 3 ½ lengths clear of Mandiri.

“It’s a moment I’ve waited for a long time. My dad is in the crowd right now and I’m sure he’ll be thrilled,” said Azrull.

“But Mr Gray has also been like a father to me. I can’t thank him enough.”

The New Zealander had always seen potential in his young protégé.

“He’s done well considering he just came back from the army,” said Gray. “He’s very laid-back, too laid-back at times, but this boy has got a future here.” 

By Michael Lee - Singapore Turf Club

New Zealand ex-pat trainer Stephen Grey produced the lightly raced gelding Wind Chaser (NZ) at Kranji on Sunday and claimed the four-year-olds fifth win when winning the $S125,000, Korea Racing Association Trophy (2000m).

The win was a narrow affair, but it showed up Wind Chaser in the best possible manner as he led, was taken on, headed, and then fought back to retake the lead and gain the win. Grey immediately outlined larger plans for Wind Chaser.

Former Sydney jockey Ronnie Stewart has ridden Wind Chaser in his last six starts and they have won twice, placed second once and third once. On Sunday Stewart knew what he wanted and he went to the lead from the barriers setting a good pace as the field went round the top bend.

Entering the back straight Stewart steadied Wind Chaser to a length lead at the 1500m. The margin stayed the same as they went past the 600m. Coming off the bottom bend the Laurie Laxon trained Royal Commander (NZ) (Four Seasons), under Barend Voster, came up inside as Wind Chaser rolled away from the rail and took a narrow lead.

At the 300m Stewart started to work on Wind Chaser and it was apparent that the horse was responding well as they went to the 200m marker. Wind Chaser had Royal Commander in his sights and as the line approached he went past, just, and they went to the line with a nose to spare.

Trigger Express (AUS) (Citidancer) was third, the margin 2 1/4L away. The time was 2.05.07.

Ronnie Stewart looks across to confirm the win on Wind Chaser, picture Singapore Turf Club.


Grey, sixth on the Singapore trainer’s championship table, declared that Wind Chaser could make an appearance in Melbourne in the spring for the Emirates Melbourne Cup if everything went to plan.

That plan included the proviso that Wind Chaser has to win the Emirates Singapore Derby over 2000m in July to be considered for a Victorian trip.

“He looks ready for the Derby and I know there is improvement in him,” said Gray.

“I have looked after him and spaced his races and he has one of the best heart rate recoveries possible after work on the treadmill,” he said.

“He is a real tough stayer,” said Stewart.

“He will not give in and in a battle he generally wins. He is certainly good enough to go to the Derby,” he added.

It was win number 22 for Stewart for the Singapore season to-date.

Grey, a co-owner of the horse, said that if a decision was made to send Wind Chaser to Victoria he left open the idea of either taking the horse himself , or sending him to a Victorian trainer for the campaign.

Wind Chaser is by the Chief’s Crown racehorse Istidaad who won at Group I level in the Australian Cup over 2000m and the Moonee Valley Cup over 2500m. Not given the best of chances at stud he has nevertheless produced repeat winners with Wind Chaser a good example.

Wind Chaser is out of the Straight Strike mare Forget Me Knot and his five wins and three placing have produced stakes of $S280,000.

By Rob Burnet-Thoroughbred News

Tough grinding galloper Wind Chaser lived up to his name by reclaiming a lead that looked like gone with the wind with 400m to go on Sunday.

The big-hearted Stephen Gray-trained Istidaad four-year-old with regular partner Ronnie Stewart looked all but defeated in the $125,000 Open Class Korea Racing Association Trophy (2000m) when Royal Commander (Barend Vorster) snuck up on the inside just before the home turn.

But Stewart never lost his composure as he knew his horse always finds something extra when headed.

“He’s best handy and he won’t give in when another horse goes past him,” said Stewart.

“As soon as he saw the other horse shoot through on the inside, he wouldn’t let him come out on top.”

Trainer Stephen Gray was relieved his horse had won by the skin of teeth but to him, it was more of a morale-booster after the harrowing times he had just been through.

Gray had recently lost his grandmother and his wife Bridget’s brother-in-law, who was killed in a farm accident, while Gray was in New Zealand to attend his grandmother’s funeral.

And to make matters worse, Gray also lost two horses on Saturday when Reilly Gold shattered his fetlock and Always Innocent blew his tendon.

“It’s been a tough two weeks for Bridget and me. I wish to thank all the messages of sympathy I’ve received from so many people,” said Gray.

On his horse’s fifth win, Gray said he was always confident of his vast potential.

“He always wins like that. He’s one of the better horses I’ve got,” said the New Zealander

“I’ve looked after him right from the start, always spaced his races. He’s an improver and I will now set him for the Derby.”

The $850,000 Group 1 Emirates Singapore Derby (2000m) will be run on July 15.

By Michael Lee - Singapore Turf Club
 

Ten-year-old New Zealand bred gelding Double Tap has been part of the Stephen Gray stable since the Kiwi conditioner arrived in Singapore seven years ago and he has completed his career as a racehorse with a farewell win at Kranji.

Ridden by Ronnie Stewart, Double Tap led from pillar to post in the $35,000 Class 5 (Div 2) over 1200m on the sand on Friday night, to take his total of wins to seven from 83 starts. 
 
Stewart settled the gelding on the fence with Trust ‘N’ Triumph on his outside but once they headed into the straight the old guy kicked away and showed his younger rivals a clean pair of heels to go out on a winning note, beating Transcend (Sheryl Cheam) by six lengths with Hommono (Kanichiro Fujii) in third place a further three quarters of a length away.
 
Double Tap’s seven wins along with 16 minor placings have seen the son of Trustful earn the Gray stables just over $270,000 in earnings and he is now set for a well earned retirement.
 
“We came out on the plane with him when we first headed over to Singapore, so he has great sentimental value to us,” said Bridget Gray, standing in for Stephen who was in New Zealand on family business.

 “We said as soon as wins a race for us we would retire him. He will now go to Malaysia where Lorraine Bottreau will educate him as a show jumper. Lorraine is a top equestrian and runs a really good equestrian centre, so he will have a very nice life over there.”

By Jo Adams, Singapore Turf Club

He’s taken a while to come to hand but three-year-old Championship (NZ) trained by Stephen Gray, has made an impressive debut with a three and a half-length win in the $65,000 Bangladesh Trophy over 1200m.

Championship and Ronnie Stewart are home easy winners. Photo David Lee
 

Track watchers have had a keen eye on this son of Black Minnaloushe for some time and he didn’t let anyone down when he strutted his stuff at Kranji on Sunday afternoon.

Jockey Ronnie Stewart has him box seated behind Archer (Din Azis) and Hishahito (S John) and the youngster traveled well off a fairly genuine pace.

Once they straightened for home Championship was always in command and when he was given a couple with the whip at the 300m he lengthened stride and skipped away to be a clear winner.

Championship finished three and a half lengths ahead of Clooney (Noel Callow) with Balkan Chevalier (Sam) in third place, a further three quarters of a length away.

“It was a pretty good performance for his first start,” said Stewart.

“He’s not the easiest of horses but he did well out there today.”

Gray was happy and somewhat relieved.

“He’s always shown ability but he’s taken a while. Physically he’s fine but mentally he’s not quite there yet, he does a lot of things wrong.

“But he will only improve with the experience and I think he will go far.”

Championship (NZ) (Black Minnaloushe x Madamax) was bought out of the paddock in New Zealand by Gray and part-owner John Bell who is part of the Matangi Diamond Syndicate.

“It’s a really big result for Singapore because these are very big owners in Hong Kong,” commented Gray.

“I’m so pleased to have this horse in the stables, even though he hasn’t been an easy one to handle.

“Now we can look forward to continued success because he’s a very talented individual.”


The talented Championship Photo David Lee


BY Jo-Ann Adams, Singapore Turf Club

The second of the day at Kranji was marred when debutante runner and second favourite Forbidden City had to be destroyed after falling prior to the running of the $65,000 Restricted Maiden (2 & 3YO’s) (1200m).

Forbidden City was waiting to be loaded when he took fright and toppled over dislodging rider Mark Gallagher, who luckily escaped injury.
The horse took off away from the gate but unfortunately he panicked and fell again half-way around the track and had to be euthanised by the course vet.

When the race finally got underway it was Laurie Laxon’s Mighty Servant (AUS) (Noel Callow) who started the heavily backed favourite at $9, ahead Al Nader (NZ) ($16).

Al Nader, ridden by Andrew Calder, shared the lead with Mighty Servant ahead of Lucky Domino (Sheryl Cheam) and Archer (H K Cheng).

Al Nader on the inside of Mighty Servant

Al Nader pulled out all the stops over the final stages and despite hard riding by Callow who was getting everything out of the favourite he was unable to get his head in front.

Al Nader fought on bravely to win by a head to Mighty Servant with Lucky Domino finishing third, four and a half lengths away.

Trained by Stephen Gray, Al Nader (NZ) will improve from the run according to Calder.

“He had a lot to think about there today so he will definitely benefit from the experience.”

Gray was pleased that the three-year-old had lived up to his trial form and expectations.

“I picked him out of the trials in New Zealand, bought him and then sent him for a spell.

“Then he headed over here and settled in.

“He’s always had ability, he’s a nice young horse. Good, strong, speed horse and he can only get better.

“We’ll just take him through his grades and see how he develops. The 3YO Challenge Series is there but we’ll keep our feet firmly on the ground for now!”

A New Zealand bred Al Nader is by the multiple Group producing sire Sandtrap (USA), from the Danzatore (CAN) mare Danza Jig and cost NZ$22,500 as a yearling.

By Jo-Adams, Singapore Turf Club

The $1 Million Singapore Derby is firmly in the sights of impressive young stayer Wind Chaser (NZ), after the Stephen Gray trained galloper fought on for a strong win in the $125,000 Open 1800m at Kranji on Saturday.

Ridden by Ronnie Stewart, Wind Chaser sat just behind the leader Raul (Farick Tan) who set a genuine pace throughout the nine-furlong event.

Setembro Chove (Andrew Calder), resuming from an eight-month spell, sat third in the run with Royal Admiral (Noel Callow) while top-weight Mr. Line (Barend Vorster) settled off the pace ahead of Destiny’s Day (Benny Woodworth) and Titan Fun (Sam).

It was a titanic battle in the straight when Raul refused to give in and while it seemed to take an age for Wind Chaser to get past him, in the end he scored a head win from Raul with Royal Admiral finishing third two and a half lengths away.

“He should have won last start but he was badly ridden,” said Gray.

“We thought Ronnie couldn’t possibly ride that badly again, so he was back on today!

“Paul (Hickman) the owner persuaded me to run him as he only had the 50kgs and he had to be in with a chance as we know he can stay.

“For an under-class horse to carry 50kgs and have a chance to win a $125,000 race, well it doesn’t happen anywhere else in the world, it’s great!

“All we need now is some more 2000m races for these young stayers, there’s just not enough of them here.”

Now Gray and Hickman, the proud father of a new daughter Kate, can look ahead to the 4YO Mile and the Derby for Wind Chaser (Istidaad x Forget Me Knot).

“He’s definitely a Derby horse,” added Gray.

By Jo-Adams, Singapore Turf Club

Trainer Stephen Gray wasn't sure how Mexborough Ladd would go when the rain tumbled down at Kranji downgrading the track from yielding to soft - but he needn't have worried.

Ridden by Ronnie Stewart, Mexborough Ladd relished the conditions going home strong enough to knock off the well supported favourite dark general (Oscar Chavez) by a short head.

As the rain pours down, Ronnie Stewart on the outside is home ahead of Dark General.

'I was actually in front for most of the straight but the angle on the television wouldn't have shown that,' said Stewart.

'I didn't think they would go so quick, I was expecting to lead but in the end I got a nice trail behind Dark General and Rort The System (Danny Chee).

'Then when they didn't quicken at the 600m I thought I'd try and steal it.

'He was always travelling well and he worked home really well.'

Gray was happy with the result, which signaled an early double for the stable after King Of Honour saluted in Race 4, also with Stewart aboard.

'He didn't run well at all last start but he was wide all the way.

'Robbie Fradd rode him then and he said to forget the run and keep going with him, so we did.'

Of the ones behind the winner Manuka (Calvin Goon) put in a terrific effort to run fourth after being trapped wide without cover for the journey.

He put in a bold effort after all the early work and a win can't be too far away for the stable mate of the winner.

By Jo Adams, Singapore Turf Club

Jockey Robbie Fradd was given all the credit at Kranji on Tuesday afternoon when Stephen Gray saluted with a double, following Always Innocent crossing the line first in the $35,000 Class 5 over 1600m.

The jockey was the turning point there, he’s not the easiest of horses to ride, he has a few tricks up his sleeve,' said Gray as Always Innocent returned to scale.

'He (Fradd) rode him last start when he ran third on the short course. He got off and said keep him fresh and wait until the long course.

'So we did. He’s a horse that gets back and needs a long run to wind up.

'Robbie made all the difference that’s for sure.'

Apprentice Ryan Plumb dictated the speed in the mile event on the $326 shot Rook and while it looked momentarily that he was going to get up, his luck ran out in the final 50m.

As the winning post loomed, down the centre of the track Fradd was moving Always Innocent along smartly and the seven-year-old finished far too quickly over the concluding stages.

Always Innocent went home to win by a half-length from Rook with Eternal Luck (Benny Woodworth) in third place a further three and a quarters of a length a way.

By Jo Adams, Singapore Turf Club

Favourite backers thought they were just home in the first race of the Lunar New Year when Brandy Dry had his head seemingly in front on the line, but in the end it was Leader Of The Pack who had his nose in front right it mattered.

The pace was extremely slow in the $35,000 Class 5 0ver 1400m and Brandy Dry was over racing with his mouth wide open in the early stages. Jockey Noel Callow finally got him to settle but the early work took a toll and while he fought on bravely over the final stages, Benny Woodworth was able to get everything out of Leader Of The Pack to score a narrow win.

'I was confident I’d got there!' Woodworth grinned.

Apart from the first two across the line, another good run was from Cabana Bay (Anandan). The horse was making his move through the pack but started to shift in under pressure form the whip and he ran out of room over the last 50m. He put in a good effort to finish third beaten three lengths but the run was better than it will look on paper.

Trained by Stephen Gray (above), the win of Leader Of The Pack gave the New Zealand ex-pat five for the season so far and eight wins for jockey Woodworth.

By Jo Adams Singapore Turf Club

Jockey Eurico Da Silva must have thought he was home on Chyna Pearl in the $55,000 Class 4 (1200m) after putting in a super effort, but he didn’t reckon on Lim’s Prestige sprouting the proverbial wings over the final 200m.

Trained by Stephen Gray and ridden by Ronnie Stewart, the four-year-old son of Pins, sat well off the pace in the run and despite a checkered run produced a barnstorming effort to collar the ever game Chyna Pearl, who had tried to lead all the way by a neck right on the line.

Lim's Prestige on the outside of Chyna Pearl

'They told me he was a good horse and they were certainly right!' said a delighted Gray.

'He’s transfer horse so while it’s bad luck for his previous stable it’s good luck for us, I guess that’s racing.

'We haven’t done too much with him, the owners wanted to keep him fresh and not trial him, so we just did a little bit of work on the track and it’s all paid off.

'He’s a very athletic type of horse and he’s got a very good turn of foot which everyone certainly saw today.'

'I used to train for Lim before, some time ago, and he always said he would come back and now he’s given me some very nice horses.

'It’s great to have him back as he is and always has been a very good owner.'

As for the Lim’s Prestige’s future, Gray has definite plans.

'He’s a Derby prospect for sure. He’s out of a Group 1 mare in Stirling Jo (Centro) and the further he goes the better he’ll be.'

By Jo Adams - Singapore Turf Club