3 minute read
Intrepid overcame a slow start to win the Supreme C event over 1400m at Sungai Besi here today, much to the relief of her backers who sent her out the RM9 odds-on favourite in the set-weight event.
After a run of five unplaced runs, the Australian mare bounced back to winning form in a 1700m race two months ago.
Intrepid was unfancied when she came back in distance and finished third to Lim's Betterready in a Supreme C race over 1400m early last month.
Despite meeting LIM'S BETTERREADY over the same course and distance today, INTREPID started favourite with LIM'S BETTERREADY a solid second choice in the betting.
INTREPID was slowly away when the gates opened and trailed the field early.
JOKER NINE SIX was the first to break and led early but a very eager MAGIC CAPTAIN decided to take over and opened up a clear lead from the 1000m.
Magic Captain led into the straight but JOKER NINE SIX and the rest of the field, including INPTRPID, had closed the gap behind the leader.
JOKER NINE SIX ranged alongside a tiring MAGIC CAPTAIN at the 400m. INTREPID had moved up to fourth at this stage and closing in rapidly.
INTREPID was inclined to hang in from thereon, forcing jockey Daniel Jagadishan to straighten him several times. JOKER NINE SIX took a clear lead at the 250m. Both LIM'S BETTERREADY and INTREPID were chasing the new leader and the trio were in a line at the 150m.
INTREPID went best in the run home to win by a neck from JOKER NINE SIX who fought back gallantly. LIM'S BETTERREADY finished third.
"The horse (INPREPID) has been working very well during the week," said Daniel who won on her early in the year.
"We knew the going was going to suit her today and my instructions were to settle her behind and look for the best way to finish strongly.
"Coming to the straight she was finishing strongly but despite hanging in badly, she won very well. She will win again."
"Gutsy effort considering she was slowly away," said trainer Simon Dunderdale who took over the mare last October and has now won three races with her.
INPREPID won four races in Singapore and also picked up three wins last year under trainer S Siva.
