Smart Australian-bred gelding Arowana Dot Com improved on his already imposing record with victory in the $95,000 Open Benchmark 83 Stakes over 1200m on the Polytrack on Sunday.
Ridden by 4kg claiming apprentice Tengku Rehaizat, Arowana Dot Com led throughout in scoring by four-and-three-quarter lengths over Imacruiser (Joao Moreira) with Aradea (V Sivan) three-quarters-of-a-length away third.
Arowana Dot Com ran a slick 1min 11.13 secs for the 1200m journey.
Moreira tried to force Rehaizat's hand early in the race by taking an early lead on Imacruiser and the young jockey was prepared to take a sit in second place had Moreira decided to boot further forward.
But when Moreira steadied, Rehaizat seized upon the opportunity and booted forward to assume control of the race.
Travelling smoothly to the home-turn, Rehaizat gave Arowana Dot Com his head soon after straightening and the gelding quickly opened up a winning break which he extended upon all the way to the line.
The victory was Arowana Dot Com's sixth from his seven race starts and trainer Desmond Koh is a little perplexed with the form the gelding is showing.
The only time Arowana Dot Com was defeated was three starts back when second to Abeyant over 1200m back in June.
“He's certainly showing more talent now than when he started racing,” said Koh.
“He is really enjoying his racing.”
Koh said he had no hesitation in using the 4kg claim of Rehaizat, reducing Arowana Dot Com's weight down to 54kg.
As it was Rehaizat's tenth victory, the apprentice will have his claim reduced to 3kg.
“For a horse to carry 58kg in any race is always tough,” said Koh. “The 54kg after the claim certainly was a big help for him tonight.”
Koh said he had no specific plans with Arowana Dot Com and hopes to continue plotting a winning course with the gelding.
“I don't have anything in the back of my mind for him,” said Koh. “We will just plod along with him and hopefully just keep his winning run going.
“He has shown he can handle a bit further and is capable on both the Polytrack and the turf as well.
“It certainly opens up plenty of opportunities for him.”
Arowana Dot Com is a four-year-old by Hussonet from the Chief's Crown mare Unveil and took his prizemoney passed the $250,000 for the Arowana Stable with his success.
