Jose Verenzuela plays on with double

SINGAPORE:  Mar 17, 2013
 
Jose Verenzuela (red cap) drives PLAY ON to a narrow win in
the opening race - SNTC photo

Jose Verenzuela needed just one "warm up" ride on Friday night to get back in winning ways after returning from a long break overseas.

The Venezuelan rider scored not once but twice from just three rides at Kranji this afternoon and just missed out on a perfect score when his last ride of the day finished second.

Verenzuela last rode on Dec 9 before going to California for an extended break to recuperate from injuries sustained in a barrier practice.

By sheer coincidence, PLAY ON, the horse that provided him with his last win at Kranji on Dec 9, was also his 'welcome back present' this afternoon.

Verenzuela, though, had to work really hard for the victory as the New Zealand gelding prevailed by a short head in a blanket finish.

"It’s nice to break the ice really quick," said Verenzuela whose 28 wins last year included the Group 1 Raffles Cup on FLAX.

"It’s always a bit hard when you’ve spent a long time away, but hitting the gym 2-3 times a week sure helped. Getting back on the horses is the best way to get you fit anyway."

RESULTS AT A GLANCE

1

 CLASS 5 - 1200M (POLYTRACK)

3

 PLAY ON B Marsh J Verenzuela

1
  (Cullen - Strike Harmony by Straight Strike)  

1

 Boss Can I Can Khoo Chavez

2

4

 Real Steel S Yeoh I Santana

3

5

 Rio Fortune M Walker A Munro

4

2

 RESTRICTED MAIDEN - 1000M (POLYTRACK)

7

 HERO SUCCESS D Koh Soo

1
  (Canny Lad - Free Form by Octagonal)  

3

 Tomorrows Dreams B Dean I Santana

2

8

 My Tricia M Walker J Moreira

3

9

 High Note H Takaoka A Munro

4

3

 GRADUATION - 1200M (POLYTRACK)

4

 MAI GURU D Koh J Verenzuela

1
  (Ishiguru - Everglow by Deputy Governor)  

1

 Speedy Ahead L Laxon K A'Isisuhairi

2

3

 Alpha Centauri M Walker R Shafiq

3

5

 Klever Man S Baertschiger J Powell

4

4

 INITIATION - 1700M (POLYTRACK)

5

 PURE RABID C Brown A Munro

1
  (Pure Prize - Hidden Rabid by Hidden Prize)  

6

 G Power P Shaw B Vorster

2

7

 Viva Raaj D Koh T Rehaizat

3

8

 Make Sense D Hill Sam

4

5

 BENCHMARK 53, DIV 2 - 1900M (POLYTRACK)

2

 BOWIE KNIFE H Takaoka A Munro

1
  (Symboli Kris S - Sweepings by Mr Prospector)  

1

 Lord Roberto M Walker J Moreira

2

8

 Loyal Steed D Koh Au

3

3

 Arabian Night B Marsh Z Zuriman

4

6

 CLASS 4, DIV 1 - 1200M (POLYTRACK)

6

 GOLD RUTILE H Takaoka A Munro

1
  (Gold Halo - Printemps Charme by Northern Taste)  

9

 Red River Rock P Shaw G Cheyne

2

7

 Famous N Fast S Baertschiger J Powell

3

10

 Jeram Clipper C Brown Sivan

4

7

 BENCHMARK 83 - 1600M (POLYTRACK)

1

 READY TO STRIKE L Laxon J Moreira

1
  (Colombia - Bankers Tonic by British Banker)  

3

 Iluminado S Burridge K A'Isisuhairi

2

5

 Matterhorn M Freedman M Nunes

3

7

 The Rude Warrior D Kok I Santana

4

8

 BENCHMARK 53, DIV 1 - 1900M (POLYTRACK)

4

 LUCKY RISE Khoo J Moreira

1
  (Handsome Ransom - Pipit by Generous)  

6

 Incredible Hulk Z L Mok T See

2

7

 Super Zucca O'Hara G Cheyne

3

1

 Cannon Hill P Shaw K A'Isisuhairi

4

9

 BENCHMARK 74 - 1100M (POLYTRACK)

8

 RONNIE BROWN M Freedman J Moreira

1
  (Darci Brahma - Leigh Valley by Bianconi)  

4

 Eclair Flyer D Koh J Verenzuela

2

1

 Secret Mission M Clements M Nunes

3

9

 Wassiac L Dragon A Munro

4

10

 CLASS 4 - 1600M (POLYTRACK)

2

 LUXURIOUS CHOICE M Freedman M Nunes

1
  (Encosta De Lago - Ravishing Choice by Redoute'c Choice)  

4

 Dragonfly L Dragon J Moreira

2

9

 Marcusino P Shaw B Vorster

3

1

 Phantom Knight B Dean I Santana

4

11

 CLASS 5 - 1000M (POLYTRACK)

1

 DYNAMIC VENTURE S Yeoh Aslam

1
  (Get Square - No Mistake by Easy Rocking)  

5

 Double S S Chua K A'Isisuhairi

2

3

 My Sacrifice B Dean Chavez

3

2

 Fountain M Yusof Soo

4

12

 CLASS 4, DIV 2 - 1200M (POLYTRACK)

5

 WORK AHEAD H W Tan J Moreira

1
  (Master Command - Always Annie's by Regal Intention)  

2

 Machfive M Freedman M Nunes

2

7

 Little But Fierce S Baertschiger D Beasley

3

10

 Stanzout B Marsh Z Zuriman

4