The David Kok-trained Joyful Melody brought up a three-in-a-row when he landed the $75,000 Kranji Stakes C race over 1000m on Friday night.
Photo by Singapore Turf Club
The grey gelding by Cape Cross has really thrived since moving stables, having now scored three consecutive times from four runs under Kok’s care after being previously handled by trainer Stephen Gray for whom he scored once from eight starts.
Joyful Melody has also scored his four wins with four different jockeys – Alan Munro at his debut win for Gray, followed by Malaysian-based Brazilian jockey Jose de Souza and Joao Moreira at his last win.
Ridden this time by jockey Danny Beasley, the bold frontrunner was never in doubt once he was able to dictate terms, albeit one-off with Raleigh (Shafiq Rizuan) kicking up on the inside to hold him out.
It did not matter much as once Joyful Melody straightened up, there was no catching him as he kept putting in to score by 1 ¾ lengths from Viva Panata (Tengku Rehaizat) with Terminator (Jacky Low) third another nose away. The winning time was 59.29 seconds.
Beasley who was at his second ride (fourth in a Class 4 race last March) aboard Joyful Melody, was impressed with the way the five-year-old gelding has moved by leaps and bounds.
“He won once in a Maiden race and suddenly he’s won three in a row,” said the Australian hoop.
“That’s his go - 1000m to 1100m speed races. He’s got a great sprint and can maintain a good cruising speed.
“He just kept going all the way to the line. There is no reason why he can’t win again in that grade.”
Beasley was also delighted he had been able to boot his first winner for Kok.
“I rode a few winners when he was assistant-trainer to Charles Leck, but this is the first time I have ridden a winner who races under his name,” he said.
“It’s nice to break the ice for David.”
Kok said he and the connections booked Beasley as they felt he was a good judge of pace who would suit their horse’s running style.
“This horse has really come on since he came over our yard,” said Kok. “He’s a go-forward kind of horse and he’s really flying at the moment.
“We felt Danny would be ideal for him and we’re glad we got him. He rode a brilliant race on him.”
Joyful Melody has now recorded four wins from 12 starts for prizemoney in excess of $120,000 for his connections.
