Top US jockey David Flores,
who won three races during a two-week stint here last July, was off the mark
in his extended stay in Singapore this term.
Originally due to start an
eight-month stint last November, Flores had to delay making the trip to
Singapore after his son was taken ill in Los Angeles.
Flores began his campaign
with six rides on New Year's Day and came close to winning on his final
mount when beaten a head on EXQUISITELY SWEET.
And it was a familiar horse
who gave him the "welcome back" victory at Kranji this evening.
SIR FLEETWOOD, trained by
champion trainer Laurie Laxon, was one of his three winners last July, and
they paired up to taste success again in the opening race this evening.
"Thanks to Laurie for
giving me the chance to ride this horse again. It does make a difference
when you have already established a relationship with a horse,” said the
Mexican-born rider who has more than 3,000 wins to his name, including
several Group 1 race in the US, Dubai and France.
In fact, Flores won the
Group 1 Malibu Stakes aboard SHAKIN IT UP for champion trainer Bob Baffert
just before flying out to Singapore.
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