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Jockey Barend Vorster could not help but give a nod to Singapore’s retired superstar Rocket Man when Rafaello got up by a nose in the $125,000 Flying Fulton 2012 Stakes – Kranji Stakes A race over 1200m on Sunday.
With feats that included the Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen (1200m) in 2011 followed by the Group 1 KrisFlyer International Sprint (1200m) win at Kranji two months later, not to mention a record four Lion City Cup from 2009 to 2012, Rocket Man was the horse who put Singapore on the map.
Though Rafaello may not be in the same league, the Ricardo Le Grange-trained gelding has been a worthy bearer of Fred Crabbia’s famous red maltese cross silks, and it showed again from the way he dug deep to fend off Constant Justice (Glen Boss) on Sunday.
The resuming Super Fortune (Michael Rodd) was not disgraced, even if he was beaten another three lengths away. Punters plumped for former Hong Kong galloper Blizzard (Craig Grylls) at his much-awaited Singapore debut, but after racing three wide without cover, the $9 favourite peaked on his run to finish sixth.
The winning time was 1 min 11.35 secs for the 1200m on the Polytrack.
The six-year-old son of Oratorio last won in a similar 1100m race with Vorster on board as well.
“Winning in these colours made it even more special, especially today, with the international racing in Hong Kong,” said the South African hoop who was recording his 31st win this year.
“It’s in memory of Rocket Man, and these colours have come to the forth today.
“I’ve come to know him (Rafaello) over his last couple of starts. I knew we shouldn’t go so early, so I sort of waited.
“Once the other horse (Constant Justice) joined him, he just took a lift and accelerated so well.
“Ricky (Le Grange) deserves a holiday overseas. He has taken a while to get some of the young ones in the yard through.
“(Assistant-trainer) Jacci’s (de Tert) at the yard from the first to the last, and she does a great job with these horses. Well done to the stable.”
Rafaello has won 10 times and placed 10 times from 36 starts, raking in close to $850,000 for Crabbia.
Meanwhile, Singapore representative Lim’s Cruiser ran seventh in the $20 million Group 1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin, The race was captured by Hong Kong galloper Mr Stunning for the second consecutive year