Good News emerged from the shadows with an explosive gallop out wide to win Friday’s $100,000 Open Benchmark 83 race over 1200m.
The Alwin Tan-trained galloper was settled at the back of the field as Black Fury (Alan Munro) and Bogart (Shafiq Rizuan) led the way. They were joined by an equally pacy Lee Bank (John Sundaras) and the trio threatened to pull away as they conquered the bend.
At the top of the straight, all eyes were on Bogart and Black Fury as the two pacesetters galloped neck to neck. By then, Good News, with Oscar Chavez astride, had already made his move, switching out wide from the back upon straightening and galloping purposefully towards the front.
He was not alone in the endeavour, as Gobi Ranger (Barend Vorster) also took the outside road and was also gaining on the leaders.
As the winning post approached, the two challengers took over the lead and Good News ($23) managed to get his head in front of Gobi Ranger 50m from home, crossing the line in a winning time of 1min 11.32secs.
Gobi Ranger finished a neck away in second while Golden Curl’s (A’Isisuhairi Kasim) late surge saw him finish a further length behind in third.
Chavez shared that in spite of propping up the entire field at the start of the race, he was not the least bit perturbed.
“The pace in the race was so fast so I was happy to sit back,” said the Panamanian hoop.
“But I know this horse can run so I was not too worried.
“At the 600m mark, I made my move to bring the horse to the outside to avoid the kickback and dirt, then push him on.”
A delighted Tan said that following that win, he may nominate Good News, along with two others, for the invitation race on dirt in Korea, which he won last year with El Padrino at its inaugural edition, the Asia Challenge Cup (1400m).
“The barrier was a big worry for us but we were confident because he prefers the Polytrack,” shared the Singaporean conditioner. “His last few wins were all on Polytrack.
“His trackwork and trials were also very good so I expected him to do well.
“I am entering him, together with El Padrino and Happy Money, my three best Polytrack horses, for the invitation race in Korea. So it was very important for him to win tonight.”
With this win, Good News has brought home stakes winnings in excess of $310,000 for Tan who is also his owner.
