Despite winning the Group 3 Kranji
Sprint last time out, MR MALEK started at generous odds when he lined up in
the Korea Racing Authority Trophy (Class 1 - 1200m) at Kranji here today.
The result was another gutsy display from the Swiss Ace gelding who took his
career record to 10 wins in 31 starts.
Ridden once again by A'Isisuhairi Kassim, settled well back in the early
running but moved him closer to the leaders as the field made the home turn.
MR MALEK was the widest runner as the field turned for home. A'Isisuhairi
got to work on him in the straight and the six-year-old responded with a
late run to snatch victory by a neck from last-start winner THE AUGUST.
"His third in the Kranji Mile was fantastic and then he
won in the Kranji Sprint, which was a phenomenal effort," said trainer
Steven Burridge.
"Today, he drew wide and we had to go back, but we know
he would hit the line good.
"We thought it’d be a bit too short for him and it’s a
big field, but this horse has a big heart. He’d lost his speed now so we
have to ride him quieter and Harry (A’Isisuhairi) did a good job on him."
A'Isisuhairi has now won three trophies on MR MALEK, the
first was the Steward's Cup in 2021.
"MR MALEK is back," exclaimed A’Isisuhairi who has
partnered the horses in his last six wins.
"I love him a lot. He’s such a trier. Last year, he had
to deal a lot (with neck cancer). This year, he came back strongly.
"Everyone thought it’s too sharp for him over the 1200m,
but he proved again today that he’s the better horse.
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