The brilliantly-named Alamak scored his maiden win in a driving finish on Sunday, earning himself a break which trainer Michael Clements believes will enhance him further.
To the Zimbabwean-born conditioner, the Alamosa three-year-old, whose name is a nod to a popular expression of surprise in local culture, needs more time to improve on the mental side, even if a first hurrah at only his third start was a nice early bonus for his connections.
After showing potential in two previous runs at Kranji, running third on debut and fourth second-up, Alamak franked that form with a gusty win in the $85,000 Restricted Maiden race over 1600m.
He’s got a nervous disposition. He’s been a bit hard on himself and he needs a break to cool his head down and come back better,” said Clements.
“There wasn’t much pace in today’s race, and that’s why he was ridden positive from the barrier.
“We discussed before the race and the plan was to sit behind the leader. There were a few anxious moments at the bend when he couldn’t get out as he was committed to the fence.
“But once he got out, he got the job done in the end.”
Champion jockey Vlad Duric can certainly take a large chunk of the credit going with the confidence he showed in waiting for the right moment to push the button on the $13 favourite.
Turf Princess (Olivier Placais), who was tagged as their main threat, took the first run at the 400m, but as the field opened up, a gap came up for Alamak to capitalise on – and the rest was all down to Duric’s wrist.
Showing the vigour in the saddle he is renowned for, the Australian jockey kept whacking away on Alamak, fending Lim’s Rhythm (Ryan Curatolo) by half-a-length with Majestic (Benny Woodworth) pipping Turf Princess for third place by a nose. The winning time was 1min 36.44secs for the 1600m on the Short Course.
“He was unlucky at his last start, but he had a very good start today and had the last crack at them,” said Duric.
“I was in a lovely position on the rails. Turf Princess was the horse to beat, and we had her back throughout.
“My bloke doesn’t really have a quick turn of foot, he’s not brilliant, but he will give his all when you need him to.
“He’s a progressive type of horse and will come back even better after a break.”
