SOUTHERN LEGEND failed to pick up a win in Hong Kong since winning the
inaugural S$1.5 mil Kranji Mile opened to foreign entries last year, although he was
placed a couple of times.
But the son of Not A Single Doubt
still proved too good when he returned to Singapore for another crack at the
RM1.5 mil weight-for-age event at Kranji here this evening.
Ridden again by Zac Purton was always well up with the
lead before putting his rivals in the shade to win by 2 1/2 lengths. His
margin last year was three lengths.
Second was BLIZZARD, who had won seven races in Hong Kong
before continuing his career to Singapore. The second Hong Kong entry,
SINGAPORE SLING, finished third.
"It’s
always good to bounce back, especially after a disappointing run in Dubai,"
said trainer Casper Fownes. SOUTHERN LEGEND was ffth in the Group 1 Dubai
Turf (1800m) last March.
"He just loves Singapore. He
travelled beautifully, and he’s been looking a treat in the last couple of
days."
For Fownes, Kranji is his happy hunting ground. In 10
visits to Singapore, he has picked up five silverware.
"He
went better than he did last year. To me, that was a much stronger win than
last year.," said Hong Kong champion jockey Purton.
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