The recommendation of jockey Barend Vorster paved the way to victory for Martincho Cat in the $95,000 Better Than Ever Open Benchmark 89 Stakes over 1200m on the Polytrack on Sunday.

Sent out as a $68 outsider, Martincho Cat charged home to upset the hopes of the $9 favourite Emerald Hill (Joao Moreira) in scoring by three-quarters-of-a-length with Texan Takeover (Manoel Nunes) three lengths back in third place.

The victory inflicted the first defeat of Emerald Hill which had been successful at his first five starts.

Vorster suggested to trainer Pat Shaw that Martincho Cat be kept to sprint races after the Argentinean-bred galloper was struggling to get into form when racing over a longer journey before a break.

Shaw said Martincho Cat came to Singapore with a good reputation and was regarded as a miler in Argentina before his arrival.

But a number of problems beset Martincho Cat and the gelding spent time on the sidelines with a knee fracture some 18 months ago.

After finishing seventh over 1700m on the Polytrack back in November, Vorster suggested the gelding be kept over a shorter trip to keep him interested for the whole race.

“Barend said we should put him in a race where he doesn’t have to think too much,” said Shaw.

“When he’s not concentrating that’s when he wants to run about, but when he’s ridden along he goes straight and enjoys his work.

“Full marks must go to Barend for coming up with that as he’s come good and now won at his last two starts.

“He came here with as good a reputation as Jamal Malik but unfortunately injury robbed him of that chance when he spent time out with a knee fracture.

“Still it’s good to have him back winning races again.”

Martincho Cat’s success was Shaw’s third for the afternoon and Vorster’s second after the pair combined earlier with Super Kenny in the $65,000 Arenti Novice Stakes for Tmen Stable, the owners of Martincho Cat.

Vorster said Martincho Cat enjoyed his work on Sunday as he was keen to take advantage of all runs during the race.

“He put himself into the race right from the start and travelled beautifully,” said Vorster. “He saw a bit of a gap and wanted to take it.

“I just had to wait a bit but once we got into the straight he took full advantage of it and finished too well.

“The quick tempo also helped him as he didn’t have to think too much during the race. Once he gets time to think, that’s when he switches off.”

After winning two races in Argentina from four starts, Martincho Cat, a six-year-old by Easing Along from La Martina has since had 21 starts in Singapore, winning five races with a further three minor placings and more than $200,000 in prizemoney for Tmen Stable.