Singapore's class act Rocket Man ran out of his skin but unheralded Bahrain sprinter Krypton Factor popped out of the woodwork to deny him a second victory in the US$2 million Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen (1200m) at Meydan on Saturday.
Photo by Singapore Turf Club
Following a faultless preparation from trainer Patrick Shaw, the Viscount six-year-old was given a solid chance to repeat his feat in the All-Weather race, though the preceding months had seen his form being questioned in light of his unplaced runs in Japan and Hong Kong.
Even Shaw had conceded the trips to contest the Grade 1 Sprinters Stakes at Nakayama last October and the Group 1 Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint last December had taken their toll on the world's second-highest rated sprinter (125 points).
But an assiduous training programme to get the champion back to his peak got underway, resulting in an impressive first-up win back in Singapore, which augured well for his Dubai raid. A winning workout on the Tapeta on Thursday had Team Rocket Man buzzing with confidence despite the more robust opposition he would be doing battle with.
All week long, names like The Factor, Lucky Nine or Sepoy had been bandied around as the more likely to lower his boom, but in the end it was the Fawzi Nass (a visitor at Kranji two years ago when he sent Lahaleeb to contest the Singapore Airlines International Cup) trained Krypton Factor who turned heart-breaker for the Singapore flyer and his legion of fans.
Rocket Man jumped a little awkwardly from his gate No 1 but South African jockey Felix Coetzee quickly gathered him in to take up the running on the fence. The speedballs in the ranks did not fly past him as expected but US contender Giant Ryan (Willie Martinez) and UK representative Inxile (Adrian Nicholls) whipped around on his outside to ensure a frantic pace to the race.
Coetzee was however seen keeping his mount together until the home turn when he decided it was time to ignite the afterburner. Rocket Man conjured up an initial burst that saw him shake off the American horse and seemed to leave most of his 11 rivals struggling to come up with a response.
The back-to-back double at the 300m mark looked all up for grabs as Rocket Man charged forward in his customary workmanlike fashion, but from the pack suddenly emerged an immediate threat – the dark blue colours of Kieren Fallon aboard outsider Krypton Factor.
As the English-bred gelding by Kyllachy moved hand over fist, Rocket Man looked a sitting duck. As they drew level, the gallant warrior owned by Fred Crabbia did not shirk from the battle, but the Bahrain-trained sprinter was too good on the night as he pulled away to score by 2 ¼ lengths. The winning time was 1min 10.79 with the last 400m (22.84secs) the fastest ever recorded at Meydan.
Rocket Man had to settle for second, two lengths clear of his Hong Kong Sprint nemesis Lucky Nine. The second place somehow brought back memories of a similar result at his first run in the Golden Shaheen two years ago when defeated by US galloper Kinsale King.
But as opposed to that second when the camp felt the ride did not do justice to the horse, Shaw was still glowing with pride, albeit with a tinge of sadness.
The South African conditioner could not fault horse and rider but said the blistering pace was the detrimental factor.
“The pace didn't suit him tonight. They went too fast, but that is racing,” said Shaw.
“Felix never got the chance to take a sit as we would have wanted. The other horse taking him on was not a worry, but it was through no fault of Felix as he had to keep his position.
“If the pace had slackened a little, he could have taken a breather. But I am still very proud of him as he's proven once again he is one of the best sprinters in the world.
“I have brought him here knowing he can measure up, and he did not let us down. Unfortunately he found one better tonight.
“Though the winner was not among the favourites, I respected him as he's a local horse and he won the lead-up race (Mahaab Al Shimaal).”
Krypton Factor was a regular fixture during the Dubai Racing Carnival and proved he was no slouch with two wins and two seconds from four runs, including a 2 ½-length win in the Mahaab Al Shimaal on Super Saturday on March 10.
“He had never faced competition as tough as this, but we still felt confident going into the race,” said Nass.
“We knew there would be a lot of pace, so thought it would be best to sit off it. Then Kieren angled him out and that was that.
“We may go to Singapore next and we'll be thinking about Royal Ascot as well depending on how things go.”
Coetzee, who was recalled for the Dubai Golden Shaheen ride after being replaced by Barend Vorster in the Hong Kong Sprint following his fourth effort in the Sprinters Stakes, was again full of praise for the 19-time winner.
“He jumped so quickly though he threw his head up a bit, but it was fine as he landed in front straightaway,” said the veteran jockey.
“The other horse (Giant Ryan) kept pressing him, which was not ideal, but he was always travelling well within his own steam.
“I wished he had come back a little but I dropped my hands on him, and he was so professional throughout the race, always smooth, nice and easy in his action.
“He fought all the way to the line, but it wasn't to be. It was such a brave effort.”
For the record, Rocket Man did not return empty-handed as his second place earned him a cut of the US$2 million purse, which brings him way past the $6 million stakes earnings. He was also voted “Best Turned Out Horse” which earned his syce a tidy prizemoney of 2,000 Dirhams.
