Major King aiming at bigger targets

[Wandering Eyes]

Major King (NZ) (Per Incanto) could back up in the Rocket Man Sprint next week after his impressive win in the S$70,000 Class 3 race over 1000m at Kranji on Sunday.

Eased down late, Major King won by an impressive three-and-a-quarters length over Gold Ten Sixty-One (NZ) (Dalghar), while Akhtar faded late to finish another one-and-three-quarters length back in third.

It was Major King’s fourth win in eight starts took his earnings to close to S$160,000 for the Happy Baby Stable.

Winning trainer Jason Ong was not only impressed by the win but is looking forward to a possible run in the Rocket Man Sprint (1200m) next Sunday.

“I think things went our way today and he won very well,” said Ong, who got two winners on the day.

“We had some luck with barrier one – that was a plus – but he had to jump well from the inside gate, which he did.

“When he was close enough in the running, I knew he would be good enough to win, but that was a very good turn of foot from him.

“We nominated him for the Rocket Man Sprint as he will get in with a light weight, but obviously we will have a look at how he pulls up tomorrow before making a decision.”

The Rocket Man Sprint is the second Leg of the newly-named STC Super Sprint Series. Mr Malek (NZ) (Swiss Ace) won the first Leg, the Kranji Sprint (1200m) on June 3, while the third and final Leg will be the Lion City Cup (1200m) held on August 27.

Ong was pleased to get the experience of jockey Manoel Nunes to ride him “Major King has always been a tough horse to train as he’s a thinker,” he explained.

“So Nunes knew him better than anyone – in work and races – so it was important to have him on today. I think his knowledge of the horse was critical for the win.

“Akhtar was only having his second run in Singapore and has a lot of upsides. He was good today, so I’m happy with both horses.”

Nunes was surprised at the ease of the victory but knew Major King was hard to beat if things went their way.

“He’s a lovely horse but I was concerned about the 1000m being too sharp,” said the Brazilian hoop.

“But he jumped well to make use of the inside barrier and with the good speed on early, he was going to be hard to beat.

“In saying that, he won very easily which surprised me a little, but he has always shown ability.

“Credit to Jason and his team. The horse looked stunning before the race. I think he had some issues early in his career, but he’s improved a lot. He’s flying now.”

Major King won a barrier trial in September 2021 when trained by Ben Foote before being exported to Singapore.

Other New Zealand bred winners in Singapore on Sunday included Ksatria (NZ) (Reliable Man), Ben Wade (NZ) (Ferlax), Exceed Natural (NZ) (Red Giant), Rocky (NZ) (El Roca), & Hurricane (NZ) (Shamexpress).

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