New Zealand-bred gelding Mr Malek (NZ) (Swiss Ace) raced into Singapore Guineas (1600m) contention with an impressive win at Kranji on Saturday.
It was the first time the son of Swiss Ace had been tested over a mile and he passed with flying colours.
“He needed to win to progress to the Guineas and he’s done just that,” trainer Lee Freedman said.
“If he didn’t run well, we could have gone back to sprints and pressed towards the Lion City Cup (1200m) instead.
“When you know you’re going to bump into a horse like Inferno in the Guineas, first you must make sure your horse can run the trip.”
Saturday’s win was not a forgone conclusion with Freedman admitting he had his doubts when he saw how far back Mr Malek still was in the home straight.
“At the 300m, I thought he was 100-1 to win,” he said.
“Countofmontecristo was a few lengths clear and running away, but Harry (Kasim, jockey) knows this horse well now. He’s riding in really great form and he showed really good timing.
“Mr Malek is a horse who still has scope for improvement, but he will take Inferno on in the Guineas.
“At least, I know the horse can run the trip and it’s not an unknown quantity any more. On that run, he’s going to the Guineas.”
