Danny Beasley repaid the Laurie Laxon stable with victory aboard Martin in the $75,000 Kranji Stakes C over 2400m on Sunday.
Photo by Singapore Turf Club
Returning a $14 dividend, Martin outstayed his rivals to score a two length victory over King Faalcon (Ivaldo Santana) with Bee Ahead (Shafiq Rizuan) a length-and-three-quarters away third.
The victory took Laxon to 70 winners for the season, just one behind premiership leader Michael Freedman.
Beasley was aboard Martin when the gelding was an unlucky third behind Make A Return over 2200m on November 11.
On that occasion Martin didn’t get a clear run at his rivals until the race was all over but on Sunday Beasley had the gelding in the running line and gave him plenty of room to make amends.
“I was too worried about getting him to switch off last time and we just never got a clear run at them until it was too late,” said Beasley.
“I wasn’t going to get trapped on the fence today. He was beautifully relaxed throughout the whole race.
“He increased his speed when I wanted him too but then he would come back underneath me and relax when I wanted.
“It was a good strong staying effort with 58.5kg. He ran the mile-and-a-half (2400m) right out and would have no trouble getting further.
“It’s a pity there aren’t more 2400m races here. Maybe that’s something Laurie might have to lobby for.”
Laxon’s assistant trainer Shane Ellis said the Emirates Singapore Derby next year could be on Martin’s agenda.
“He’s a nice horse and a pretty handy stayer,” said Ellis. “He could make a nice Derby horse next year.
“He’s stays all day and he’s probably better getting back and coming with a run.
“Today we had to ride him closer. The small field and weight were against him but at least today Danny didn’t get stuck on the fence.
“In the end it was a good strong win.”
A four-year-old New Zealand-bred by Columbia from the Turbulent Dancer mare Hayletzdance, Martin was having just his tenth start on Sunday.
He now has four victories and five minor placings to his credit and prizemoney of around the $180,000 for Oscar Racing.
Beasley made it a double for the afternoon when Irish Coffee took out the $55,000 Open Benchmark 67 Stakes for trainer Steven Burridge.
