Consistent performer Running Tall found his way back in the winner’s enclosure by taking out the $75,000 Kranji Stakes C over 1400m on Sunday.
Photo by Singapore Turf Club
Expertly handled by apprentice Tengku Rehaizat, Running Tall, the $9 favourite, scored a two-and-three-quarter length victory from Iluminado (Matthew Kellady) with Light Brigade (Manoel Nunes) three-quarters-of-a-length away third.
Rehaizat had Running Tall in second position behind Light Brigade before pushing off the fence to sit at his girth coming off the back straight.
He allowed Running Tall to relax before taking over the front soon after straightening for home before kicking clear with a winning lead 300m out.
While Iluminado tried hard to run him down, the break was too much and the favoured runner kept going strongly to the line.
Running Tall’s victory was the first trainer Patrick Shaw has witnessed live for the season. He only returned from an extended break in South Africa on January 28 but had seen his previous six winners on television.
Shaw praised his staff, especially assistant trainers Ricardo Le Grange and Jacci Detert, for keeping the stable running and churning out the winners.
“Full marks must go to Ricky and Jacci,” said Shaw. “This win was all down to them. I really had nothing to do with that one.”
Shaw said Running Tall had finally found his top form and thinks the gelding may be able to go on with it now.
“We found a good field today and the claim of Tengku certainly helped him as well,” said Shaw.
“Ricky and I had a talk about using a claim and he also likes a bit of give so the rain that came this morning was good for him.
"He’s going to go up a division now but will also come down in weight. He’s now racing very well and if he can find a suitable race and also some give in the track then I think he can keep on winning.”
A four-year-old Australian bred by Stratum from Fleeting Touch, Running Tall was a Group 2 winner in Australia before making his way to Singapore.
In 16 starts in Singapore, which has seen him register three wins and nine minor placings, Running Tall has now won more than $200,000 in prizemoney for the Lucky Stable.
