New Zealand bred China Pearl (NZ) (Ardrossan) was a winner for Te Akau Singapore trainer Donna Logan in the last meeting of the season at Kranji on Saturday.
Ridden by stable apprentice Jamil Sarwi, China Pearl raced between runners beyond midfield but showed courage over the final furlong when spearing through a gap to win stylishly.
“I’ve always liked him and he’s quite a striking individual, really athletic, and although not quick to mature he has won at his third start,” Logan said.
“I was holding my breath for awhile, not sure whether he would take the gap, but Jamil pushed him through and it was a tough win. There was some give in the ground and I think that suited him, too.
“I’ll see how he pulls up, both physically and mentally, and that will determine whether we push on with him at the moment.
“He’s still very young, but he is showing me that he could get over some ground, so I’m hoping he could possibly show up in the final legs of the Three-Year-Old Series.
Logan also praised apprentice Jamil Sarwi, who finished second (12 wins) on the apprentice jockey table and two behind Jerlyn Seow.
“We had the leading apprentice last season when Yusoff Fadzli won, and Jamil started to ride really confidently later in the year and I’ve been taken with how he’s stepped up.”
“We’ve also got Ibrahim Mamat (a3) as an apprentice and a new apprentice kicking off in the New Year.”
Training since 2018 in Singapore, Logan took over training for Te Akau from Mark Walker on 1 January 2022, and ended her first season finishing second in the premiership.
Logan ended the 2023 season with 35 wins, finishing among a cluster of trainers finishing third to eighth with 39 to 32 wins apiece.
China Pearl was sold by breeders Jamieson Park at the 2022 Karaka Book 1 Sale to Chae Ball/Andrew Campbell Bloodstock, he was then offered by Phoenix Park at the Ready To Run Sale where he was purchased for $70,000 by Logan and David Ellis CNZM.
China Pearl became the first Singapore winner for young Waikato Stud stallion Ardrossan, who is already making a name for himself with 10 individual winners, including NZ stakes winners Codigo, Loch Katrine, and Saltcoats.
