Singapore Turf Club
My Boss franked his recent improved form to open his account in the $20,000 Open Maiden race over 1400m on Friday night.
The Rock ‘N’ Pop three-year-old has been knocking on the door of late, missing the money by a pimple at his last start in a similar Open Maiden race, but over 1200m three weeks ago.
The extra 200m probably helped his cause even if jockey Joseph Azzopardi was worried they might have headed the 12-horse field too soon.
“I thought we went to the front too early. He started to stargaze around,” said the Perth jockey.
“But he kept finding and just made it (from the fast-finishing Lim’s Honour). I didn’t think we could beat the favourite, but we did.
“I thought the 1400m would suit him better. I’m not sure if he can win in higher grade than Class 5, but he will definitely take a lot of confidence from that win tonight.”
Winning trainer Mok Zhan Lun, who was visiting the winner’s enclosure only for the fourth time this year, said he had a silent hope the $37 chance could salute, especially after his last encouraging run.
“I think coming back to Open Maiden company, he would have a chance tonight,” said the Singaporean handler.
“Joey rode him very well. From the wide barrier (13), I told him to try and get some cover and ride him for luck.”
Azzopardi followed the instructions to the letter, and when My Boss started to improve from the 600m after travelling outside Bangkok Girl in seventh place, that elusive maiden win at his ninth start looked in the bag when he swept to the front at the 250m.
The winning time was 1min 23.95secs for the 1400m on the Long Course. -STC