Reigning champion apprentice jockey Shafiq Rizuan was a relieved young man as he weighed back in the winning rider on Sunday, about four months after his last win.
Photo by Singapore Turf Club
The Kelantan-born rider had gone missing since his last victory aboard Money Bee on February 17, a far cry from his prolific season in 2011 when he had already ridden 18 winners at the same time last year before going on to land the premiership title on 37 wins.
The long run of outs had been a major source of frustration to Shafiq, who is still indentured to trainer Mark Walker, but never one of discouragement. Somehow, Shafiq had a hunch his 101st ride for 2012 – Bee Ahead – might break the deadlock.
“I was very upset I was not riding winners anymore, but I had a good feeling about Bee Ahead,” said Shafiq.
“Maybe it is because of the claim which is only two kilos, but I was probably not getting many good rides either.
“Hopefully, I will get more support after today and I will get more winners as well.”
Shafiq said the instructions given by trainer Michael Clements before the running of the $75,000 Kranji Stakes C race over 2400m were simple – from the good draw, go forward in search of cover.
To the delight of the supporters of the $30 shot, the race did go to script. After settling outside the leader Maraeti (Saimee Jumaat), Bee Ahead dropped back to fifth as Bieber (Stephen Baster), Tangible Assets (Greg Cheyne) and Make A Return (Sam Subian) rushed forward to race close to the speed as well.
Biding his time, Shafiq only allowed Bee Ahead to creep up to the leading bunch upon straightening. The champion apprentice was seen changing his lead several times to get Bee Ahead on his right leg before letting rip inside the last 200m. The Black Minnaloushe gelding opened up for a decisive break to win by 4 ¼ lengths from favourite Steadfast Warrior (Danny Beasley) with Samurai Phoenix (Ivaldo Santana) third another half-a-length away.
The winning time was 2min 31.76secs.
“From the good draw, the instructions were to go forward and find cover,” said Shafiq.
“He was always travelling strongly all the way. At the 550m, I asked him for an effort and he responded very well.
“I had to change my rein a few times as he was on his left leg. Once he was on the right leg, he finished off very well.
“I rode this horse before and he definitely felt stronger today. He's a very nice stayer.”
Clements has long identified a future over more ground for the Rising Star Stable-owned gelding, but can now afford to eye richer pickings too.
“He's always been a consistent horse, but has not had much luck either,” said the Zimbabwean conditioner.
“It was either a bad barrier or he got checked. He was never able to get it together although he was running good races, but it's all come together today.
“Shafiq rode him good. He gave him cover and the horse was always travelling very well for him.
“At the top of the straight, he was always going to run away from them.
“I've always had the (Emirates Singapore) Derby in mind for him – at least I hope he can get a run. Hopefully, he can pick up a few more ratings points.
“Grand Arrival is the other Derby hope, but we'll see. It's always nice to have a few options.”
