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Trainer Leslie Khoo may have a Singapore Derby runner on his hands after smart galloper Fastnet Dragon made it four-in-a-row in the $80,000 Class 3 race over 1600m on Sunday.
The Fastnet Rock four-year-old has emerged as a revelation for the Singaporean conditioner, quickly rising from humble Initiation level in the space of three wins over 1400m to now stand on the cusp of a shot at one of the country’s most prestigious races, the $1.15 million Group 1 Emirates Singapore Derby (2000m) on July 12.
With his latest success coming in such resounding fashion at his first test over the mile, it was not surprising that Khoo, who won the Derby once as a jockey, aboard the Ivan Allan-trained Grand Illusion in 1988, was now toying with the idea of adding his name to the roll of honour 27 years later, but as a trainer.
After all, horses turn four only once and the way Fastnet Dragon kept hitting the line on Sunday seems to give both Khoo and winning jockey Alan Munro enough confidence that another 400m would not find him out.
Tracking up race-leader Eagle Storm (John Powell) on his outside from the start, Fastnet Dragon looked well on his way when the big-striding gelding hit the front at the 300m.
With his tongue as usual flopping by the side, he did give his $13 backers a few heart flutters when Smart Idea (Michael Rodd) and Twickenham (Corey Brown) gave the fleeting impression they could overhaul him, but Munro held his mount together all the way to the line.
Smart Idea tried hard but had to settle for second spot another 1 ½ lengths away with Twickenham third another three parts of a length away. The winning time was 1min 35.25secs for the 1600m on the Short Course.
The Group 1 Patron’s Bowl (1600m), the second Leg of the Singapore Four-Year-Old Challenge of which the Singapore Derby is the third and final instalment, comes up next Sunday, but Khoo has ruled out backing Fastnet Dragon up.
“The Patron’s Bowl is too close. I may look at the Derby instead,” he said.
“He runs very relaxed now and I think he will handle the 2000m no problem.
“I had no reasons to worry even though he was one off the fence. Alan rode him very well again today.”
The English rider concurred with Khoo that Fastnet Dragon would not be out of his depth in the 2000m classic, but knew full well he would not be the one holding the reins should that eventuate.
“He’s a very smart horse. I had an easy time in the first half and he sprinted very well in the last bit,” said Munro.
“He wanted to get going a little midrace but luckily he realised it was not the right thing to do and came back underneath me.
“I think he is a very progressive type of horse. Mentally, he is getting more and more professional after each race.
“He still needs to settle, but I think he can get 2000m as the track is flat here, not like in Europe where they have undulating tracks.
“In any case, I won’t ride him if he gets to the Derby. I’ve already got War Affair.”
Fastnet Dragon has now brought his earnings past the $150,000 mark for his owner Madam Zhao Song.