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LONELY BOY, who registered a
hattrick early last year and later in the season reeled off four consecutive
wins, is back in the winner's circle after a couple of big runs in the big
races.
In the process, the English gelding provided jockey Khaw Choon Kit with a
career milestone victory.
It was the 150th win for Khaw who was partnering the gelding for the first
time in the Metro A set-weight event over 1100m at Sungei Besi here today.
MOON FACE, drawn on the outside barrier, charged to the front after the
start and set a brisk pace while Khaw was happy to let LONELY BOY trailled
in fourth spot.
LONELY BOY moved up a place round the home turn but MOON FACE quickened and
broke away. At the 200m, the leader was four lengths clear and seemingly
unstoppable.
But his early effort took its toll on MOON FACE and he soon began to shorten
strides, just as LONELY BOY was opening up brilliantly behind him. LONELY
BOY raced past MOON FACE in the final 80m to win drawing away by 1 3/4
lengths.
"He's a quiet horse and very lovely to ride," Khaw said of LONELY BOY.
"Whatever the distance, he just gives everything.
"At the 200m, MOON FACE had several lengths on us but I believed in my
horse, knowing that he still had plenty to give. We got there in the end."
LONELY BOY landed in Malaysia in 2018 with a record of one win and four
placings in six starts in England. He was unbeaten in two runs in 2019
before heading to Singapore where he was placed once in three starts at
Kranji.
Back in Malaysia, the son of Lethal Force has now won nine more times
including a record eight wins last year.
Last October, LONELY BOY finished third to BLACK THORN in
the Selangor Gold Cup and a month later, came third to ELITE REMARKABLE in
the Coronation Cup, both races over 1600m. He was then given a spell and
finished first-up in the new season over 1100m in late February.
"He rejuvenated well during the
break and once again showed his class," said trainer Mohh Sukri. "His
preparation this time is spot on as we have targeted the Tunku Gold Cup (in
May) for him next."
On riding his 150th winner, Khaw said: "Actually it has taken quite a while
as I started riding seven years ago. Nevertheless I will keep on going and
work hard."
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