​A drop in handicap and barrier No 1 went a long way in trainer Theo Kieser's handy sprinter Honest Truth scoring his second win from five starts on Sunday.
Photo by Singapore Turf Club
Owned by leading Australian owner Nathan Tinkler of Patinack Farm Stable, the Hussonet five-year-old was a two-time winner over 900m and 1000m back in Brisbane, but has proven himself a useful conveyance over slightly further at Kranji as he bagged his second win (first was registered in a 1000m speed dash) over the 1100m of the $75,000 Class 3 race on Polytrack.
Ridden by regular partner Soo Khoon Beng, the on-pace runner, who had only 53kg on his back – the lightest he has ever carried in his five starts at Kranji - again showed plenty of toe from his inside gate to dictate terms, but was soon tackled by Squall Line (Stephen Baster) at the 800m.
The Brian Dean-trained galloper did not yield an inch until the top of the straight where Honest Truth shook him off without Soo having to resort to the stick. Yoyo (Shafiq Rizuan) was trying to get clear galloping room right behind but he could not quite conjure up a counter-attack when Honest Truth burst clear to score by just under two lengths from Yoyo with Squall Line third another neck away. The winning time was 1min 5.09secs.
With Kieser attending the Inglis Easter Sales in Sydney, Australia, Soo was given the unspoken authority to ride his own race.
“I know the horse well and don't really need instructions,” said a confident Soo. “Theo trusts me.
“When I galloped him on Wednesday, I was very happy with the way he had improved and I was looking forward to today's race.
“I think we were lucky we drew one and I would say going over 1100m made things easier for me. The pace was not that hot early.
“I did not rush him and waited till the last 200m to give him a dig. He responded very well to hands-and-heels riding first and he kept going when I pulled the stick just to make sure he keeps his mind on the job.”
Honest Truth's win continues Kieser's successful run this campaign as the South African is now currently on 14 winners, a mark he only reached in July last year.
