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Just as he did on Friday night, trainer Shane Baertschiger landed a one-two result in the main race on Sunday.
Photo by Singapore Turf Club
Whereas the more fancied of his runners saluted on Friday night – El Milagro defeated Lago Bay – Sunday’s result was reversed.
Al’s Knight was sent out the $7 favourite by punters in the $75,000 Pan Malaysian Pool Trophy over 1200m but it was the $56 hope No Respite that sailed home the winner.
Ridden by 1kg claiming rider Jacky Low, No Respite got up to score by a length-and-a-half from Al’s Knight (Barend Vorster) with Tom (Ivaldo Santana) a head away third.
Baertschiger was a little surprised by the result believing No Respite could not get over the top of the smart Al’s Knight.
Californian Star (Zuriman Zulkifli) led the way from Bring More Money (Oscar Chavez) out three wide with Al’s Knight in third place.
Turning for home Al’s Knight had moved to a narrow lead and Vorster pressed the button and he quickly got the measure of Californian Star and Bring More Money.
But it was noticeable out wide on the course that No Respite was starting to put in the big strides and the gelding over-powered the favourite with 50m to run to score running away.
No Respite was coming into the race following a second placing in a 1000m barrier trial on August 16 when wearing blinkers.
Baertschiger resisted the temptation to apply the headgear to No Respite on Sunday with happy results.
“I didn’t think he could beat Al’s Knight but he has stormed home to win well,” said Baertschiger.
“I suppose at the end of the day he had 50.5kg as against 57kg for Al’s Knight and I think that’s told in the end.
“Still Al’s Knight has come out and beaten all the others giving them weight.
“I didn’t go putting the blinkers on No Respite as I thought he might have gone too hard in them.
“I think we have learned a bit about him today.”
Low said No Respite had travelled sweetly in the run and was confident of a forward showing throughout.
“The pace was quite good and he travelled well throughout,” said Low. “I got him to the outside in the straight and let him come home strongly.
“In the end it was a good win.”
A six-year-old Australian-bred by Bel Esprit from the Danehill Dancer mare Steely Dancer, No Respite landed his third win from 14 starts in Singapore on top of five minor placings and took his prizemoney past the $150,000 mark for owners Auric Stable.
