By Alan Carasso
Hammered down into $8 (3-5) favoritism for his 2017 debut, reigning Singapore Horse of the Year Debt Collector (NZ) (Thorn Park {Aus}) picked up right where he left off with a spectacular 1 1/4-length success in a Kranji 'A' event over 1400 metres Friday night.
Making his first trip to the races since a narrow success in the Oct. 30 Raffles Cup (1800m) that took his overall winning streak to seven, the 4-year-old bounced away alertly from the gates, but took himself back, as is his custom, and trailed as they hit the turn. He began to improve his position and was maneuvered to the outside of his rivals about three furlongs from home and had nothing but clear sailing entering the straight. Shaken up by his regular rider Michael Rodd nearing the furlong marker, he accelerated sharply and raced over the top for a cosy tally (video).
“That was his softest win yet, but again, he is the type who is more switched on at the business end,” said Rodd. “He obviously would like to have more ground, but he's got that amazing turn of foot he can sustain for a long time. He was switched off and running very relaxed in the first 1000m, but once I slapped him up, he switched on and got into second gear. I could really feel him coming back underneath me. It's just amazing how he does that. As he tracked up so nicely, I let him creep up closer and his turn of foot was just exceptional in the end, though he did pull up on me close home.”
Friday's test was the first of a two-race preparation in Singapore for Debt Collector, who is penciled in for a start in the US$6-million G1 Dubai Turf should he perform up to expectations. He is tentatively scheduled to have his final local appearance in a 1600m heat Mar. 3.
“Dubai is still a long way to go. He will now run in a mile race in three weeks' time,” said trainer Cliff Brown, who paid NZ$130,000 for Debt Collector at the 2014 NZB Ready to Run Sale. “He's a lovely horse and it's great to see him win first-up. It's a big team effort from all the boys at the stable, including the syce who really takes good care of him.”
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