Former Malaysian galloper Captain Obvious lived right up to his high rating with an impressive all-the-way victory in the $125,000 Kranji Stakes A over 1400m on Friday night.
Photo by Singapore Turf Club
Ridden by apprentice Koh Teck Huat, Captain Obvious scored by two-and-three-quarter lengths over Ato (Barend Vorster) with Maurice Utrillo (Olivier Placais) running on for third, a neck away.
With a MRA rating of 117, Captain Obvious was clearly the best performed galloper in the 11 horse line-up and with 59.5kg he didn't look too harshly treated.
But trainer Steven Burridge pulled an inspired move by engaging Koh and taking 3kg off his allotted weight.
A bold front runner, Koh had Captain Obvious quickly out of the barriers and drove him hard to cross the field to lead on settling down over McClintock (John Powell) with Ato and Amadeus Mozart (Ronnie Stewart) in close attendance.
Koh was then able to get Captain Obvious to relax in front and was under a good hold as the hometurn was reached.
On straightening Vorster pushed out into the clear and looked like making a race of it with Captain Obvious, but Koh got to work on the f$17 avourite and he quickly opened up a two length break on the field which he held to the line.
Burridge said Koh rode the gelding to instructions and the lighter weight certainly helped him.
“He'd been carrying 58 and 59kg since coming down here and I think he really appreciated the lighter weight tonight,” said Burridge.
“It was good to see him win another race. He came down and was successful and it's good to see him come through again.
“Koh rode him very well. He cuddled him up in front and he's a horse that will always finds under pressure for you.”
Burridge said he favoured giving Captain Obvious a short break before preparing him for a trip to Dubai in the New Year.
“We've got him entered for Hong Kong at the end of the year but I think going to Dubai might be a better option,” said Burridge.
“There are some nice races over there that might suit him and I've certainly got Dubai in the back of my mind for him.”
For Koh it was the second leg of a winning double after scoring in the opening race of the night aboard Tormenta in the $35,000 Maiden Stakes over 1200m on the Polytrack.
It was Koh's third double for the year having recorded the feat back in January and again in June.
Apprenticed to Laurie Laxon, Koh has partnered some of Laxon's better performed gallopers including evergreen Waikato.
“I've got to thank the trainer for giving me the chance,” said Koh after the victory. “I think he's possibly the best horse I've ridden, well the best winner anyway.”
A six-year-old Australian-bred by Verglas from the Tirol mare Shathor, Captain Obvious has won 12 of his 20 starts for the Milton Stable.
