The successful run of Leslie Khoo continues as he grabbed a treble at Kranji on Sunday.
Photo by Singapore Turf Club
He opened the day's racing claiming the $35,000 Class 5 Stakes over 1200m with Volkov before Popi Popi took out the $75,000 Kranji C Stakes C over 1000m.
His best was served up later when Won't Stop produced a whirlwind finish to score in the $95,000 Open Benchmark 97 Stakes over 1100m.
Ridden by Tengku Rehaizat, Won't Stop, the $10 favourite, scored a widening one-and-a-half length victory over the unlucky Finderskeepers (Opie Bosson) with Merchant (Joao Moreira) a half-length away third.
Khoo shares the lead with Michael Freedman in the early stages of the season on the Trainers' Premiership with 12 winners apiece.
“It has been a good start to the year and I hope I can maintain it throughout the year,” said Khoo.
The trainer said he was a little shocked to see Won't Stop so far back in the field after expecting him to be up on the pace.
“I was surprised to see how far back he was,” said Khoo. “I expected him to be up running second.
“He is usually a good beginner and I thought Golden Number would lead him as he is a very fast horse.
“There was a very fast pace which in the end suited him. He was able to finish fast and have a good win.”
After beginning his career over the Causeway in Malaysia, Won't Stop has adapted well to the Singapore conditions and has now won five of his eights starts since making the move of which four have been on the Polytrack
“He loves racing on the Polytrack but he's also very handy on the turf as well,” said Khoo.
“He's not just a sprinter as he's getting a bit stronger and has a good finish as well.”
Rehaizat, who has had three winning rides for Khoo since resuming from suspension, said nothing went to plan in the race.
“He was sitting back in the gates when the others jumped at the start,” said Rehaizat.
“Nothing really went to plan from there but I just allowed him to get balanced and let him work into the race.
“He was also a bit wide coming around the hometurn and I was worried what Mr Khoo would be thinking.
“But he run very well down in the straight and he showed me that he is a very good horse.”
A four-year-old by Testa Rossa from the Celestial Dancer mare No Say, Won't Stop has now won seven of his 13 career starts through Singapore and Malaysia and has now accumulated more than $300,000 in prizemoney for owner Leong Phooi Yee.
