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Trainer Michael Freedman got on the board in season 2013 with the victory of Flying Zero in the $55,000 Class 4 Div 3 Stakes over 1200m on the Polytrack on Sunday.
Photo by Singapore Turf Club
Ridden by Manoel Nunes, Flying Zero scored a half-length win over Lord Roberto (Joao Moreira) with Humour Town (Oscar Chavez) three-and-three-quarter lengths away third.
Freedman all but took out the 2012 Trainer’s Premiership until pipped in the last race of the season by Laurie Laxon when Speedy Ahead was successful.
Both Laxon and Freedman finished the year tied on 76 winners, but Laxon was awarded the premiership on a countback with 73 second placings to Freedman’s 53.
The start to the 2013 season for Freedman has been slow with Flying Zero just his sixth runner for the year as he loaded the bases in the final few meetings of last year attempting to win the premiership.
With Freedman having headed home to Australia for the Christmas break and then going on to the Gold Coast for the impending Magic Millions Yearling Sale, his assistant James Peters said the stable sees the victory of Flying Zero as something of a bonus.
The victory for Flying Zero came at just his second start in Singapore having finished seventh over 1100m on the Polytrack back in November.
“He needed the run first-up but we also think that he will be a better horse when he gets up over a bit more ground and on the turf,” said Peters.
“His form back in Australia was over 1400m and 1600m so we think he will be better off at that trip so to get this win is a bit of a bonus really.
“He jumped well and travelled well and Nunes gave him a really good ride.
“I’m sure that will keep the boss (Freedman) happy. He’s up on the Gold Coast now preparing for the yearling sales so it’s good to get a winner while he’s away.”
Flying Zero had 17 starts in Australia before relocating to Singapore notching one win and nine minor placings when prepared by Chris Waller.
A four-year-old by Danzero from the Hurricane Sky mare Ubiquity, Flying Zero was an A$150,000 yearling purchase and is now raced by Raffles Racing.