Leading jockey Joao Moreira was having a frustrating run on Friday until emerging stayer Michael saved his night when he scored a smart win in the $55,000 Open Benchmark 61 race over 2000m.
Usually lethal when he is legged-up aboard favourites, the Brazilian was for once having little joy on five such top fancies (Zac Generation, More Than Worthy, Raffles Pegasus, Firth and Incredible Hulk) and one second-favourite (Mel) before Michael, himself backed down to $17 behind $14 favourite Tangible Assets, turned his fortunes around.
The two-time Singapore champion jockey, who is already well on course for a third title, having already established a commanding lead (22 winners over Danny Beasley going into Friday's meeting), said the winning post can be elusive to anyone.
“Sometimes you can have no luck at all – like tonight,” said Moreira who bettered his own record with 153 winners last year and was at his 34th 2012 winner, an outstanding record who leaves plenty to the imagination if multiplied by 12.
“I was struggling to find the way to the winning post, but luckily this horse (Michael) won.
“I was happy where he was but got a bit worried when he got caught on the fence as he can a bit shy around horses.
"I was worried I would not be able to take him to the outside but I was lucky I was able to do so in the home straight.
“He can be a bit silly at times and can look around a bit, but he finished off very strongly. The fact he was carrying 58kg and won so well shows he has such a big heart.
“I think the 2000m is his best distance. He can definitely stay, but if Laurie (Laxon) wants to consider the Singapore Guineas (1600m), why not?”
Michael, a three-year-old by Towkay out of the Flying Spur dam La Grandezza, defeated Iro Otoko (Soo Khoon Beng) by 1 ¼ lengths with Tangible Assets (Alan Munro) third another length away. The winner ran the 2000m on the Short Course in 2min 4.44secs.
“It was a good strong win considering he had 58kg on his back. He's a big dope of a horse and tends to get off the bit at the half-mile, but he travelled a lot better this time,” said stable supervisor Shane Ellis deputising for trainer Laurie Laxon currently in New Zealand.
“On breeding, he was always meant to go over more ground being by Towkay, but he is also by a Flying Spur dam, which would normally give more speed.
“I think we can look at the Singapore Guineas, but the first two Legs (of the Singapore Three-Year-Old Challenge) are definitely too sharp for him.
“I think he has a bit of a future here. He should win more races.”
After breaking the deadlock, Moreira later went on to ride a winning double aboard Enzo - another favourite ($9) - for trainer Sam Chua in the next race, the $35,000 Class 5 race over 1400m, to bring his tally to 35.
But it was not just keeping his score on the up that mattered to the popular hoop. Moreira was even more pleased one of his wins has given someone else a moment to cherish.
“The girl who takes care of Michael came to me and said: 'Thank you for this best-ever birthday present!',” said Moreira.
“Syces are hard-working people and they deserve to get some rewards, too. That really made my day.”
