A step-up in class was not a problem for Sacred Command (NZ) (Epaulette) after the son of Epaulette made it back-to-back wins in the S$70,000 Class 3 race over 1600m at Kranji on Saturday.
Bred in New Zealand by Vern and Margaret Trillo he was sold by Valachi Downs at the 2019 Karaka Yearling Sale for $190,000 to Tony Pike for owners Raffles Racing. He got a win and four placings from 8 starts before transferring to trainer Chris Waller in Australia where he got another couple of wins.
“He won three races and (trainer) Chris Waller told (owner) Dato Yap (Kim San of Raffles Racing Stable) that he had found his mark, so they moved him to Singapore.” Trainer Jerome Tan said.
Sacred Command showed promise at his Singapore debut when he ran on strongly to finish fourth in a Class 4 race (1200m) on March 12. Two starts later, he secured his first win in Singapore after jockey Benny Woodworth won in the protest against initial winner Winning Stride for causing interference in a similar race over 1400m on May 20.
Sacred Command again did his best work late on that occasion, so the step-up to the mile was never going to be a problem going into Saturday’s assignment. However, the Raffles Racing Stable-owned five-year-old was having his first start on the Polytrack.
While there was a question mark on how he would handle the surface and Class 3 opposition, punters jumped on board late with his 51kgs light weight as a factor.
Apprentice jockey Akmazani Mazuki made good use of barrier two to hold an on-pace position early as they eyeballed favourite Pennywise, who jumped from barrier one.
Sacred Command – who hung out early in the straight – eventually got the upper hand by the 200m and with the seven-kilo pull in weights between them (Pennywise carried the top weight of 58kgs), it was all over bar the shouting in the last 100m with the winning margin two-and-three-quarters of a length.
Tan thought the win was excellent given the tough run on the pace throughout.
“He (Akmazani) made good use of the gate (two), but the horse pulled a lot when he sat outside the leader,” explained the Singaporean trainer.
“It was very hard to do that and win, so it was a very good run and the light weight helped.
“I knew he would handle the Polytrack, but I was worried about the step-up in class and the mile at only his fourth start in Singapore.”
Going forward, Tan also thought that Sacred Command may be better suited over a shorter trip on either track.
“From the way he raced today, I think he would be better suited over shorter trips so he doesn’t pull so hard,” he continued.
“Turf or Polytrack – it doesn’t matter – so I will just look for the right race.
“His win today showed he is a good horse that has more to offer here.”
Other New Zealand bred winners in Singapore on Saturday included Paletas (NZ) (Iffraaj), Conflagrance (NZ) (Thewayyouare), & Engine Start (NZ) (Highly Recommended).
