Exciting US-bred sprinter Emerald Hill made a sensational winning comeback in the $95,000 Open Benchmark 89 race (1200m) to stretch his unbeaten record to five wins on Sunday.
Photo by Singapore Turf Club
Unseen since the last of his four-in-a-row back in August, the Sharp Humor four-year-old picked up where he left off, but he had work hard for that fifth win, a proof the cobwebs did set in during the prolonged layoff.
Jumping slightly awkwardly from barrier No 7, the chestnut had to be hunted up by regular partner Saifudin Ismail before he was able to find his favourite spot – in front and hard up against the rails after 600m.
Bahen (Barend Vorster) speared over from an even wider gate to camp outside his girth while Birthday Gift (Muhd Firdaus), another noted speedster was third.
Turning for home, Saifudin slipped some rein to Emerald Hill who gave a powerful kick, but could not quite shake off the opposition which was a lot tougher this time around.
Masthead (John Powell) emerged from the pack and for a second looked like he could run down the $8 favourite, but O’Hara’s brave galloper kept finding to hit the line with one length to spare from Masthead. Bahen had to settle for third more than two lengths away. The winning time was 1min 11.15secs.
“I gave him a break purely because I wanted him to settle down. He was too much of a hothead before,” said O’Hara.
“I must say he came back a different horse after his break. Even the starter (Dale Jeffs) said he had calmed down a lot.
“I actually did not back him off too much during his break. He was back in work after only four weeks.
“I thought there was still a concern how he would run today after a four-month break. I probably would have preferred a 1100 metre race as well.
“As expected, he did feel the pinch a little bit towards the end, but that was because he also had to work hard early to get to the rails.”
Saifudin was just as delighted his pet horse was back on his winning streak, though he had to expend a little bit more of energy in the initial and final stages.
“He took a while to get going. I had to ride him out a bit more than usual,” said the Malaysian jockey.
“The other horse on the inside was faster. I would have sat second but then he kept going and found the rails.
“Once in front, he relaxed quite well and in the straight, he just kept giving.”
O’Hara said the $500,000 Group 1 Lion City Cup (1200m) could be a target for the Saratoga Stable-owned gelding next year, but he must be tested over turf first.
“I will run him on turf eventually. Then the Lion City Cup is a possible goal,” said O’Hara.
“For now, I will toast to this new victory and I will also toast to our overall performance. In January, I set myself a target of 40 winners and we finished on 39, just one shy.
“It’s been a fantastic season, and I could not have done it without my dedicated staff. I would also like to thank the many owners who have supported me over the years.”
