Iking franked his good form with a narrow win in the $60,000 Open Benchmark 67 race over 1800m on Friday night.
The Holy Roman Emperor seven-year-old was always in the first three before he strode to the lead at the 300m while favourite Smart Lad (Barend Vorster) did not enjoy a clear run at the back.
Favourite Precious Gem (Shafiq Rizuan) let down strongly and so did Smart Lad after he finally got into the clear on the outside, but Iking hung on for dear life to score by a nose from Smart Lad with Precious Gem third another neck away. The winning time was 1min 48.91secs for the 1800m on the Long Course.
Besides the luckless Smart Lad, another horse suffered a worse fate when Laughing Gravy poked his head through his gate as the start was effected, blundered badly and was pulled out of the race by his jockey Timothy Bell. He was later declared a runner.
But all honours to the winner who has now strengthened up trainer Mark Walker’s lead to 73 wins, nine clear of Michael Freedman. A five-time champion trainer in New Zealand, Walker is hoping to clinch his first Singapore title since he moved here in 2010.
“He’s a really consistent horse and he was given a lovely ride by the young lad,” said the New Zealander.
“I didn’t realise the margin was only a nose. It was really tight in the end.
“The stable is going well, but we do have a couple of good stables behind us. We've had a good season no matter what happens.”
Wong was bringing up win No 13, a lucky number for sure at his first winning ride for Walker.
“It’s my first win for Mr Walker. Thanks to him for his support,” said the Malaysian rookie who only launched his Singapore career in June.
“The horse travelled well underneath me, he was very relaxed. When I rode him hard, he responded very well but he hit the front a bit too soon at the 200m.
“He got a bit lost but he kept going and it was very close in the end. I’m glad the photo went my way.”
Raced by Fairdeal M Kingdom Stable, Iking ($52) was bringing up his third win from 34 starts for stakes money in excess of $170,000.
