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FLAX, a splendid third in
the Group 1 Singapore Airlines International Cup (SIA Cup) back in May,
finally translated that form to win his first group race in the S$500,000
Raffles Cup over 1800m at Kranji here today.
Ridden by Jose Verenzuela,
the South African gelding was always travelling well in the 1800m
weight-for-age event, settling second behind pacemaker KEEP AWAY before
hitting the front at the home bend to win drawing away by three and
three-quarter lengths.
Purchased for 230,000 Rand
as a two-year-old, FLAX (late Ballistic) began racing only as a
four-year-old but has a sensational start to his career when winning five of
his first six starts, failing only in the Emirates Singapore Derby last
year.
After finishing third in
the Queen Elizabeth II Cup in April, he was the best Singapore finisher in
the SIA Cup. The six-year-old has have two runs after a short let-up,
finishing fourth in the Panasonic Karnji Mile two weeks ago.
FLAX was finally able to
show his class with his runaway win today. "He appreciated getting out to
this distance today and the little bit of cut in the track was also a plus
for him," said trainer Stephen Gray.
FLAX also provided
Verenzuela first Group 1 success in Singapore. "I just love this horse,
right from the first time I had the ride on him," said the jockey who is
responsible for all but one of his wins.
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