Power Play gave a sneak peek of what was under his hood when he produced a powerful finish to gallop home unopposed in Friday’s $60,000 Class 4 race over 1800m.
Although he came into the race winless in five outings at Kranji, the Patrick Shaw-trained three-year-old had been calling out for more ground at his last two starts.
Shaw duly obliged with an additional two furlongs for Power Play (Nooresh Juglall), whose longest trip previously was over 1400m. The Argentine-bred galloper did not disappoint.
Jumping into a good position just behind Tangible Assets (A’Isisuhairi Kasim) and Cool Customer (Zuriman Zulkifli), Power Play ran on in third place with cover as the field settled. A spirited run by Mr Try (Shafiq Rizuan) out wide saw him lead the way by over five lengths going into the turn, before starting to run out of steam as he exited the other end.
Power Play and U Got It (Rueven Ravindra) were the quickest out of the chasing pack upon straightening, but it was Power Play who kept going as the winning post approached. The lead stretched to a commanding five lengths in the final furlong before the son of Catcher In The Rye eased down close home to beat the fast-finishing Kai Power (Zawari Razali) by 2 3/4 lengths with Sacred Spin (Manoel Nunes) third by another one-and-a-quarter lengths.
The winning time was 1min 48.62secs over 1800m on the Long Course.
“He has been looking for this trip,” said Shaw. “He looked like he wanted more ground in his last run and he did very well today.
“His first few runs were just to let him get used to the tracks here.
“He did win over 1400m in Argentina before but this is his first time going over this trip.
“I think 2000m should not be a problem for him.”
Juglall, saluting atop a Shaw-trained galloper for the second time on Friday night having scored earlier aboard Quicksilver, was all smiles at the winner's circle.
“He has been looking for more distance at his last run,” said Juglall.
“Today he had the perfect run. The pace was on and he has sharpened up with the blinkers on. I think he can go up to 2000m which should suit him even better.
“I’d like to say thank you to Pat, his yard and the owners for giving me the ride.”
With this win, Power Play has brought home stakes earnings in excess of the $50,000 mark for Thai owners Kajorn Petch Racing stable.
