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The instructions given by trainer Brian Dean to jockey Soo Khoon Beng on how to ride Getreel in the $75,000 Kranji Stakes C race over 1200m paid instant dividends on Friday.
Photo by Singapore Turf Club
The Australian conditioner, who was preparing the previously Cliff Brown-trained gelding at only his third run, had observed getting-back tactics did not quite work out with the three-time winner.
He told Soo he should be ridden more positive compared to his last couple of starts where he was dropped back to the rear.
Jumping a fraction slowly from his barrier No 2, Getreel was immediately bounced to the front by Soo and to his surprise, he was able to do so without much hassle in the initial stages of the race.
Though he looked like he was getting away with a soft lead, the tempo was steady. When favourite People's Victory (Barend Victory) was peeled out for his run at the top of the straight, most expected the Argentinian-bred chestnut who was coming off the back of two straight wins, would gobble him up.
Getreel however found a second gear and kicked again and despite Vorster's efforts, People's Victory just could not peg him back. Getreel, a four-year-old New Zealand-bred by Black Minnaloushe fell in by one length from People's Victory with Bombay Sling (Joao Moreira) third another half-a-length away. The winning time was 1min 11.07secs.
Dean was delighted with the tactical win, but if he had any anxious moments, they came before the race. The start was delayed after Simply The Best played up and was scratched.
“I was a bit worried he stood in the barrier for so long as he tends to be a bit slow out of the gates,” said Dean.
“I had told KB to hunt him up and take the lead. When he gets back in the field, I noticed he doesn't want to put in.
“Though he had a soft lead in front, it was a good enough time in the end. He's a horse who has always shown ability and I'm glad he's won his first race for us.
“The owner (Phenomenal Stable) has got Squall Line with us and I hope he can win a race for us too.”
Getreel ($55) has now chalked up four wins from 11 starts and prizemoney in excess of $150,000.
Soo said Getreel was a little sluggish at the start but he always had plenty of horse under him thereafter.
“He always does that. A bit slow at the start, but he was always going well after that,” said Soo.
“I was a bit worried I would get squeezed out at the start, but luckily the horse on our outside was scratched. He got to the lead easily and fought off the favourite very well.”