Per Incanto gelding Asif (NZ) (Per Incanto) got his second win in four starts in Singapore when overcoming the favourite Akhtar with ease in a Class 3 race (1200) on Saturday.
It probably did not look that easy when the Steven Burridge-trained gelding was ridden hard over the final furlong by jockey Manoel Nunes at his last-ditch attempt to run down Akhtar, who was backing up after an easy win in a Class 4 sprint race last Saturday.
Akhtar, who led all the way, hung on for dear life on the rails as Asif gained momentum steadily, but he only managed to stick his neck out in the last 50m before eventually prevailing by half-a-length on the line.
Akhtar lost no marks in second while Energy Baby (NZ) (Rich Enuff) sprinted home late to finish another three parts of a length away in third.
Nunes, who rode Asif to his first win in a Class 4 race (1200m) on the turf at his second start in Singapore, was confident of a second win from the five-year-old despite having to play catch-up in the straight.
“He’s a very straightforward horse. I can ride him wherever he’s happy,” said the four-time Singapore champion jockey, who is well on his way to a fifth title on 83 wins after he also pulled off a double earlier.
“He can go over longer to 1400m. He’s a very smart horse and he can settle well in races.”
Burridge, who took out the opening race, was glad to get another win for owner, Mansoor Gandhi from the Al-Arabiya Stable.
Makin was the first winner that celebrated the new partnership between Burridge and the Al-Arabiya Stable last Saturday. They transferred seven horses, including Asif and Makin, from trainer Michael Clements to Burridge about three weeks ago.
“Since he came over, he’s done well and eaten well. He’s also put on a bit of weight (498kgs, 20kgs up from previous race weight) but I thought he needed it,” said the veteran conditioner of Asif, whose name meant “forgiveness” in Arabic.
“I was happy with the way he trialled. He’s done everything right and hopefully, he trains on.
“Maybe he can get a bit more distance, probably over the 1400m next. It can be either the Polytrack or the turf now that he’s won on both.
“Thanks to the owner for giving me this opportunity to train him.”
Gandhi, who welcomed Asif at the winner’s circle with Burridge, praised Burridge and his staff too.
“Steven and his team has done a good job. They’re committed. Good job from the horse and the rider too,” he said.
Asif was bred by Little Avondale Stud who offered him at the 2020 Karaka Book 1 Sale then sold by Riversley Park at the Ready To Run Sale where he was purchased by Mulcaster Bloodstock.
Known as Sacrimony when prepared by premier Sydney trainer Chris Waller, Asif boasted two wins in Australia. With two wins and two placings from four starts at Kranji thus far, he has collected over S$80,000 in prizemoney for his the Al-Arabiya Stable.
Other New Zealand bred winners in Singapore on Saturday include Zygarde (NZ) (Atlante) & Win Win (NZ) (Per Incanto).
