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It took a while for Ten Ten Lai to get over his massive weight loss in Penang, but the five-year-old entire has finally turned the corner when he bounced back to the winner's circle on Friday night.
The son of Superior Sateen lost as much as 30kg during his stay in the Malaysian city to contest the Sprint Trophy, in which he still ran a brave sixth to the dead-heating Eagle and Blue Tosca.
His form subsequently nosedived when he came back to Kranji, even after a much-needed break during which the Dr Yeoh Kheng Chye-trained sprinter gained back the weight but not quite the form, finishing out of the placings in four runs.
The bay entire, who used to have an abundance of speed in his earlier races, especially during the days he scored runaway wins with Brazilian jockey Nelito Cunha, had however noticeably been held back in some of his races of late.
But when his first-time Friday partner, apprentice Tan Wei Li realised the pace had slowed up at the 1000m of the $95,000 Open Benchmark 97 race (1400m), forcing him to race three wide for a few strides, he decided there was only one position he wanted to be – in front.
The switch to the old favourite racing pattern saw Ten Ten Lai run his rivals off their legs again.
After stalking him two lengths off, Just A Man (Joao Moreira) took closer order before the home turn to launch his attack, but once Dr Yeoh's found a second wind, the race was all but over. Favourite Apache Crown (Shafiq Rusof) closed in late but he was safely held by Ten Ten Lai who crossed the line first with 2 ½ lengths to spare.
Just A Man had every chance but finished third, separated by a similar margin. The winning time was 1min 23.66secs.
A former Malaysian-based galloper, Ten Ten Lai, who had not greeted the judge since January 28, was recording his sixth win (scored his maiden win in Kuala Lumpur in November 2009) from 34 starts for stakes earnings in excess of $425,000 for the Ezaro Stable.
“He is lucky to have recovered after losing 30kg. He completely lost his condition and we had to spell him for two months,” said Dr Yeoh.
“I think he's actually come back an improved horse. I just told Willy to ride his own race and I must say he's done a good job.
“When he took the lead down the backstraight, I was confident he would not be caught again. He had no weight on his back as well, and that helped a lot.
“I'm happy for the owners who have been very patient with this horse."
The New Zealand-trained Tan, who only opened his Kranji account on October 21, continues his good run as he lands his fifth career winner in less than a month.
“Dr Yeoh did not give me any instructions. The horse was a bit keen in the early stages and that's why I just let him roll to the lead,” said Tan.
“He then relaxed nicely for me and by the home turn, when I hunted him up, he just kept going all the way.
“I'm very happy to get more rides from other trainers. This can only boost my confidence.”
