A few races after Mr Fantastic had assistant-trainer Ricardo Le Grange eulogising owners for taking the path less travelled with South African-breds, he was given another striking vindication in Alexandra Palace.
Coincidentally both being by the same sire, Jet Master.
Alexandra Palace was the first of a batch of 10-odd South African-breds purchased by Yong (Tmen/Avengers Stable) last year to get on the scoresheet last July. It was a glorious moment savoured by the Yongs and all at the Patrick Shaw yard given the patience of Job they had to show while their precious cargo went through an epic six-month quarantine rigmarole in Mauritius and UK before reaching Singapore due to a worldwide export ban on South African horses.
None of the others have since saluted, with the vast majority still having not yet seen the Kranji track, but Mr Fantastic’s easy win in Race 2 was just the shot in the arm they needed.
As the old proverb of “all good things come in pairs” go, Alexander Palace joined the party with a return to winning ways in the $100,000 Open Benchmark 89 race over 1600m.
Ridden by his regular partner Nooresh Juglall, the former South African Listed and Dubai stakes winner settled snugly in fourth on the fence before switching out to the middle of the track to launch his bid at the point of turn.
Thumping (Alan Munro) and Holy Warrior (Craig Newitt), were not to be outdone yet, though, as they got locked in a battle royale upfront. Favourite Bourbon Goldman (Manoel Nunes), who looked a forlorn hope when spotting the leaders around six lengths at the top of the straight, was also joining the fray late.
But Juglall rode with renewed vigour and Alexandra Palace ($47) got the verdict by the barest of margins from a very gallant Thumping. Bourbon Goldman strode in late but had to settle for third another half-a-length away. The winning time was 1min 37.04secs for the 1600m on the Short Course.
Fitted with blinkers for the first time at his last start, Alexandra Palace was a big let-down when he ran last, beaten by more than 11 lengths by stablemate Davide in an Open mile race. But to Le Grange, “going back to basics” with a nice rest coupled with the removal of blinkers brought out the five-year-old’s true colours.
“We went back to basics with him and I think that’s what did the trick,” said Le Grange deputising for Shaw who only returned from his yearly South Africa holidays earlier in the day.
“We gave him a freshen-up and taking off the blinkers probably did spark him up again.
“I’m also happy we’ve had two Jet Masters winning for Mark tonight. Like I said earlier, it’s extremely pleasing to see those South African-breds win after the long time it’s taken to get them back to the track.”
Given his lofty credentials, Alexandra Palace was actually imported with the Longines Singapore Gold Cup in mind, but eventually skirted the 2200m glamour race after running poorly in the lead-up, the Raffles Cup three weeks earlier. When asked if he would still be tested at the elite level again, Le Grange was adamant he was a classy individual who would not be out of his depth in such company.
“I’ve always believed he has the ability to race at the highest level,” said Le Grange.
“We’ll enjoy tonight’s win for now and see what’s available with Pat and decide afterwards.”
Juglall was relieved the horse he has always had a soft spot for, has proven the naysayers wrong.
“I’ve always liked this horse and I’ve always believed in him,” said the Mauritian jockey.
“He’s taken a long time to adapt and we’ve worked hard on him. Credit must go to Pat and Ricardo for the amazing job they’ve done with him.
“The slow pace didn’t suit him tonight and that’s why I had to get moving early on him. He fought really hard to just put his nose in front on the line.
“I still think he’s not 100% fit. But I think taking off the blinkers and the tongue tie on him helped.
“Thanks to Pat and the owner Mr Yong for giving me the chance to ride such a good horse.”
