3 minute read

The Stephen Gray-trained Bhaskara stamped his class in the $60,000 Class 4 Singapore Airlines Boeing 707 Stakes (1400m) on Sunday where he landed his second career win in impressive style.

Originally an Emergency Acceptor, Bhaskara got a berth following two scratchings. Gray booked top Hong Kong jockey Zac Purton - and the hoop, whose main assigments were Military Attack (Singapore Airlines International Cup) and Aerovelocity (KrisFlyer International Sprint) later, was right on target.

Bhaskara overcame his wide gate to land in front from $14 favourite Catch Me Great (Michael Rodd), travelling relaxed fron that point onwards.

North Atlantic Ice (John Powell) tried to issue a challenge upon straightening but he was soon left reeling when Purton released the handbrakes. The son of Shaft immediately showed a searing turn of foot to thunder away to a four and a quarter length-win from Rosado, clocking the time of 1min 22.15secs. Catch Me Great ran third a nose behind.

Gray was pleased with the way things panned out during and before the race - as given his reserve status, the rider-booking situation was a little uncertain for a while.

“Joao Moreira was supposed to ride him, but then he was an Emergency Acceptor. I told Joao to wait, but he could not wait and jumped onto another horse (Rosado),” said Gray.

“My Brothers Keeper was also entered but he was balloted out. I couldn’t believe such a good horse got balloted; to me on a big cup day like this, they should pick the best horses.

“Anyway, I asked Zac if he wanted the ride and I’m glad I was able to get him. I just told him to go forward from his wide gate and I couldn’t believe he landed in front.

“This horse is a trier and has good ability, and when he kicked off the top of the straight, he just kept going. I will just take him through his grades and I think the owner (Dago Stable) will have some fun with this horse.

“It’s a good way to start the day as I have a lot of friends here to have a good day and a party at the races.”

Purton could not have been more delighted with the way the day kicked off.

“Steve only sent me a message this morning when he knew the horse would get a run. He just told me to be in the first five or six, be positive and work it out from there, but nobody wanted to lead and I found myself in front,” said Purton.

“The horse is a progressive sort and has good speed and it worked out good in the end. I was able to get a soft run in front and he showed a good turn of foot in the end.

“Obviously, it’s a nice way to kick off the day as I have fond memories of Singapore. Hopefully it will get better later in the day.”