Patron's Bowl Sunday will always be a special day for the jockey Sam.
Photo by Singapore Turf Club
It's not that he has a ride in the big race. But, the fact that he won the third race of the afternoon, the Lim's Reward 2003 Handicap over 2400m, on the horse that he has had three victories on this year, had the young rider all smiles after he weighed in.
Available at long odds, Sam took advantage of his barrier and immediately took Make A Return to the lead out of the gates. On cue, the seven year-old gelding dropped his head and the bit and without any serious pace threat on his outside, relaxed at a tempo that was easy for him.
Without any real change in the order, Make A Return turned for home first and was soon joined in battle by April's Knight with Anandan astride and Foreign Exchange with Moreira on top.
The favourite, Steadfast Warrior had been off the pace right through the race but was obliged to travel three horses wide and lost valuable ground before he could get balanced to make a run at the leading trio.
Into the last 200m, it looked like Make A Return would get overwhelmed by April's Knight and a strong traveling Foreign Exchange. Make A Return however, was digging in deep into his reserves despite having led for the entire way. At the post he had a neck and head to spare to Foreign Exchange and April's Knight respectively.
Sam was all smiles after the race and seemed as composed as his horse had been through the race.
“I like to ride from the front and it really suits me. Last time out, the field was too big and he didn't run his race while today I was able to take him to the lead easily,” said Sam.
“Make A Return was very relaxed today and he settled very easily. It looked like he would get beat up the straight but he just kept on giving and battling all the way to the wire,” he continued.
“I have a very special place in my heart for this horse as he has given me three winners this year alone,” ended Sam.
Make A Return was saddled by HK Tan and has won nine races at Kranji through his career. He is a son of Danske and has taken his earnings to over S$400,000.
