Walker maintains premiership challenge in Singapore

Strong N Best dashes to victory at Kranji (Supplied)

Just when Singapore champion trainer Michael Clements thought he had bounced back into the reckoning for the Singapore Trainers’ premiership title, ex-pat Kiwi Mark Walker produced a winning double to neutralise the sudden awakening on Saturday.

Clements had fallen behind following an unusually quiet time in the last couple of months but did well to stay in touch and keep his hopes of defending his title alive with Harry Dream (NZ) (Pins) and Greatham Girl (Super One) in the first two races, narrowing the gap on Walker down to five winners.

But it was back to square one after the Kiwi handler, himself a hot favourite for a fourth champion trainer gong, hit back with Broadway Success (NZ) (Alamosa) in the Class 5 Division 1 race over 1200m and Speedy Missile (Smart Missile) two races later in the Class 4 race over 1200m.

Walker, who has always had numbers to support him, said he was just in it to win as many races as possible. The title would just be a welcomed bonus.

“If it happens, it happens,” said the New Zealander.

“The horses are in good form and are winning races, that’s what matters at the end of the day.”

Walker currently sits on 59 wins, seven clear of Clements on 52 with Daniel Meagher on 27 a distance away in third.

There was further success for Kiwi-bred horses on the programme with Ben Wade (NZ) (Ferlax), Boy Next Door (NZ) (Showcasing), Strong N Best (NZ) (Rock N Pop) and Happy Moment (NZ) (Showcasing) all winning on the 11-race card.