Third in the betting, Emblessed from Dr Yeoh's stable provided a minor upset in the Open Benchmark 83 when he held on by the narrowest of margins from Dragon Spirit.

Out of the gates at the 1200m start, Dragon Spirit was taken to the lead by Danny Beasley.

Tracking him was Emblessed who had Santana on board and the favourite, Valevole with Barend Vorster astride was a further length away.

As the field began to turn for home, Dragon Spirit, on the rails was joined by Emblessed who loomed alongside threateningly.

The favourite Valevole was already in trouble as the leading duo began to pull away for a battle royale.

With 300m to run, Emblessed put his neck his front and looked to be traveling the better of the two.

But Dragon Spirit wasn't going away in a hurry and began to run back at a rapidly tiring Emblessed who was shortening his stride.

With almost nothing to separate the pair at the finish, it was a few anxious moments for both as the judges declared that the winning post had come in time for Emblessed.

Dr. Yeoh was as relieved as he was pleased. “I'm glad the owners are here for the victory."

“He's a nice horse and is even more special for me because I bought him with the owner,” he said before rushing off to congratulate his rider.

Emblessed demonstrated a high cruising speed, a burst of speed and equally important, the heart to win. He is a son of Danewin who is by Danehill. He has won his fifth race in Singapore from fourteen starts with four of these, including his latest, coming in a row.

Emblessed has taken his career earnings to over two hundred thousand Singapore dollars with this victory.