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Top Sydney jockey Corey Brown showed his class by booting home a winning treble on Sunday, with the last two in combination with trainer Bruce Marsh aboard Golden Lark and Supernova.
Photo by Singapore Turf Club
Fresh from a similar feat last Friday, Brown is riding on a crest of wave at a two-month Singapore stint which began without fanfare at the end of April, but which has suddenly hit top gear in recent weeks. That renewed momentum will, however, be cut short at the end of June, as he then begins a new adventure in France, a country where he has always wanted to ride in.
Brown was clearly the punters’ pal on Sunday, getting off the mark with Singapore Derby prospect Tropaios, before scoring in a nail-biting finish aboard Golden Lark for Marsh in the $35,000 Ghozi 2010 Stakes, an Open Benchmark 53 race over 1700m, before making no mistake for the same trainer aboard $17 favourite Supernova in the $55,000 Jamal Malik 2011 Stakes, an Open Benchmark 67 race over 1200m.
Marsh admitted to having his heart in his mouth when Brown eased previous three-time winner Supernova, who normally follows an on-pace racing pattern, out towards the rear of the 11-horse field upon dispatch.
But with the rider’s supreme confidence remaining unflappable throughout the 1200m journey, the Elusive City four-year-old issued a devastating turn of foot at the 300m to nab Royal Style (Oscar Chavez) by three parts of a length on the line. Solitaire (Zuriman Zulkifli) finished third another two lengths away, ahead of US-bred debutant Faretti (Greg Cheyne).
The winning time was 1min 11.62secs.
“I didn’t think he would be so far back, but the one good thing was I could see he was travelling relaxed,” said Marsh.
“Corey didn’t listen to the instructions which were to be in the first four, one off the fence. But it was the first time this horse was ridden that way, so we couldn’t tell how he would do.
“But it sure was a great thrill to see him win in the end.”
Brown said he had to drop further back than planned after being caught on a limb from his wide gate (12) at the start.
“The tempo in front was frantic, and I decided to drop back and ride him for luck instead. He was always travelling well and when the horse in front (Select Gathering) got off the bridle at the 700m, he gave us a cart into the race.
“From there on in, I was pretty confident of his chances and he gave a very good kick in the end.
“Things are working out very well here, especially after I’ve had many seconds in Sydney before I got here. I’m really enjoying my time here, but I’m also looking forward to my trip to France.”