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Argentinean import Damo bounced back to winning form with victory in the $75,000 Kranji Stakes C over 1600m on the Polytrack on Friday night.
Photo by Singapore Turf Club
Reunited with Barend Vorster, Damo scored by a neck over City Lad (Tengku Rehaizat) with Iluminado (Mathew Kellady) two lengths away third.
The victory completed a double for Vorster who had scored earlier in the night aboard Mr Armstrong.
Ricardo Le Grange, assistant trainer to Patrick Shaw, said Damo appreciated the 1600m trip after the stable went “back to basics” with the gelding.
“It was an excellent ride by Barend and I think we have found the right trip for this horse,” said Le Grange.
“We went right back to basics with this horse after he lost his way there for a while. We took all the gear off him.
“He’s been a very frustrating horse. A lot of work has gone into him getting him sorted out.
“I hope now that this win gives him the confidence to go on with it and put a few more wins on the board.”
Vorster had Damo positioned in fifth position in the run behind the pace set by City Lad and Ready To Strike (Troy See).
City Lad kicked clear soon after straightening for the run home but Vorster bided his time into the straight before pulling him to the outside.
In a tough battle over the last 100m, Damo gradually got the upperhand to score a solid win.
“He’s got a bit of a hard head but I know him well,” said Vorster. “I won on him early on but for some reason they decided to go the other way (put other riders on) with him.
“I was able to get him in the right position in the race tonight but in the straight I got him away from the others as he likes a bit of galloping room.
“He really loved the speed on as well. He gave me a really strong kick tonight and was strong all the way to the line.”
Damo has had a busy 2012 season. He had his first start in Singapore back on January 13 before winning at his second outing on February 3.
In all Damo has raced on 16 occasions in Singapore, registering two wins and three minor placings.