Rocket Man bounced back to the winner's circle in sparkling fashion on Sunday when he ran his rivals off their feet to score his 19th win first-up from a three-month spell.
Photo by Singapore Turf Club
The star sprinter was resuming since his unplaced effort in the Group 1 Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint on December 11, and needed the run in the $125,000 Kranji Stakes A over 1200m on Polytrack as the perfect finishing touch before he embarks on his next overseas mission – the Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen (1200m) which he won for Singapore's first International Group 1 success last year.
The Patrick Shaw-trained champion took a while to get back in shape after his Hong Kong quarantine, but after three winning barrier trials under the belt, he was fit and ready to put his best foot forward.
His legion of fans certainly did not lose any confidence in the Viscount six-year-old's class as they sent him – again – an overwhelming $5.3 favourite to beat his six rivals even if he was giving weight all round (except for Speed Baby) carrying the steadier of 59.5kg.
With South African owner Fred Crabbia watching from the stands, Rocket Man jumped smartly to take up the running with Tuxedo Moon (John Powell) in close attendance, while the one who was considered as his only danger should he falter, Rapido Star (Joao Moreira), had settled in fourth on the rails.
Rocket Man set a steady pace to the race to turn for home as the one to run down. Tuxedo Moon valiantly tried to make a race of it by issuing a stern challenge at the 400m, but the champion easily shook it off before drawing clear to go and score a soft win.
Rapido Star ran on late for second another 4 ¾ lengths away while Tuxedo Moon plugged on solidly for third another three parts of a length away.
Rocket Man ran the 1200m in 1min 10.95secs, 1.21 second outside his own course record established in 2010.
“This was the perfect prep run for him. It should get him right for Dubai,” said Shaw.
“Considering he hasn't raced for a while and he was giving weight to the others, it was a superb effort.
“He was also ridden hands and heels, which was perfect. I couldn't be happier with that run.
“He was down six kilos on his body weight, but I was okay with that weight (479kg). He's always raced a bit lighter in Dubai, round about 472kg and that is perfect.”
Vorster also had every reason to give the thumbs-up ahead of Rocket Man's departure to the United Arab Emirates on March 24, a week before his attempt to double the dose in the US$2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen at Meydan Racecourse on March 31.
“He's still not quite 100 per cent, but he felt good and his racing action was good given he hasn't raced for a while,” said Vorster who later completed a double with Shaw when they combined to take out the last event with Martincho Cat.
“He wasn't as quick as lightning out of the gates as he is older now. But when Johnny's horse (Tuxedo Moon) came testing him in the back straight, he just held it together and kept bowling along in front.
“There is still a bit of work to be done with him (before he heads off) but he is certainly going in the right direction.
“We don't want to get to the bottom of him yet and that race panned out exactly the way we wanted.”
With this latest victory, Rocket Man has now brought his record earnings to just under the $6 million mark.
