Stepitup – a great win
The highly anticipated Panasonic Kranji Mile, the first leg of the Triple Crown here in Singapore, produced a shock winner this past Sunday, writes Gareth Pepper.
Spalato, unbeaten in 8 starts in Singapore, was a red-hot favourite, but he failed to fire.
Instead it was the game little horse Stepitup for trainer Laurie Laxon and Michael ‘silk hands’ Rodd, who was in the saddle for the first time, who came up trumps.
Known for never travelling in his races, and only really getting going late, Michael Rodd was happy to sit last on him.
Brave tactics considering the track was suited to front/on-pace runners the whole day, a trend that we have seen developing of late on the Long Course A.
At the business end of affairs Quechua again loomed and showed what a gutsy horse he is down the middle- but it was all Stepitup, who once fully extended, won as he liked by 4 lengths.
Assessing the race, Spalato obviously had an off-day, and when inspected afterwards, nothing untoward was found.
Quechua ran a great race in his build-up towards trying to make it a double in the Longines Gold Cup in mid November. I was very happy with his run, and I am sure all involved with him are too.
Lionheart
Performance of the day though was the winner. He only weighs in at 445kgs but has a heart the size of a lion and has now racked up 14 wins , his second at Group 1 level, and with this victory took his earnings over the $2 million mark – making his AUS$90 000 price tag look like a genuine bargain.
I must congratulate 9 time Singaporean champion trainer Laurie Laxon and a special mention to his right-hand man Shane Ellis.
Shane has always been open and honest about his runner’s chances and has guided me in terms of form, the track and other aspects of the racing here in Singapore.
He has been a huge help and I am sure Laurie will agree his biggest asset in the stable. Speaking to Shane, I questioned him as to why the little horse has had so many starts and his general demeanour around the yard.
“He is just the most laid-back, easy- going horse. He keeps to himself, never gives us a day of worry and I wish I had 10 of him in the yard.”
Where to next?
Well the logical step would be the Raffles Cup on 25 October, run over 1800m.
To rider Michael Rodd, who had the biggest grin on course coupled with the slickest hair style, the victory was just reward for the hardworking jock who rides at a minimum of 55kgs and has overcome that hurdle to sit second on the log with 71 winners thus far.
On a personal note, congratulations to him and his lovely wife Cara. They have recently announced that they are expecting a baby, and I wish them all the best.
Farewells
It was sad saying good bye to the parents.
Their time here flew by and although my father was always quick to mention that everytime he opened his wallet he felt like he was being mugged, and I felt similar feelings as I watched my inheritance dwindle dramatically, it was so awesome to have them here and I took them to the Gardens By-The-Bay on Saturday.
It is a remarkable place that is worth researching and visiting if ever in Singapore.
On inspection of his photos, Sonja uncovered some pictures from Bali that, let’s just say could be described as unbecoming of a happily married man. But I am glad to report at time of writing that the swelling has come down and he can see out of his left eye again!
Visitors always help lift the spirits and I look forward to hopefully having a few more in the not too distant future.
The old man is planning his next sojourn here for early next year and has decided he wants to try his hand at a belly-dancing course in Bangkok. Fun times lay ahead indeed.
And then on a final rugby note – well done to the Boks, and commiserations to the English.
I can’t wait to read what Joey Ramsden has to say about his team!
Till next time.
