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Smart sprinter Goal Keeper bounced back to his brilliant best with a tactical win which was greatly aided by a more patient ride from regular partner Danny Beasley on Friday night.
Photo by Singapore Turf Club
The Untouchable four-year-old resumed from his unplaced effort in the Group 1 KrisFlyer International Sprint (1200m) last May with a good first-up second to Makkura in an 1100m race on Polytrack three weeks ago. He tried to make every post a winning one as he customarily does, but was mowed down late by the bonny Laurie Laxon-trained mare.
Lined up in the $125,000 Kranji Stakes A race over 1200m on turf on the Long Course, Goal Keeper was not to be denied this time. Though he allowed the speedier Benji's Empire (A’Isisuhairi Kasim) to wrest the lead from him on the rails, Goal Keeper was always travelling on the bridle in a one-off position, with the effect that Beasley invariably had a lapful of horse upon cornering.
The swoopers headed by Masthead (Joao Moreira) and Makkura (Barend Vorster) descended thick and fast, but Beasley deftly coaxed Goal Keeper to the line with a relentless gallop that held all-comers safely at bay. Masthead, the odds-on favourite ($8) gave the impression he could still bridge the gap inside the last 100 yards, diving late, but he eventually fell short by half-a-length.
Makkura boxed on solidly to run third another half-a-length away. Goal Keeper, who began as the second elect at $16, clocked the nippy time of 1min 9.49secs for the 1200m, 0.49 second outside the record held by Mexican Rose.
The win provided trainer Theo Kieser with his first winning double for the year after Mexborough Boy had saluted earlie. He was also picking up a perfect score of two wins from as many starters for good measure.
“We actually decided we would take a sit back tonight. Danny had predicted Benji’s Empire, being drawn on his inside, would be quicker and he would let him go,” said Kieser.
“He said he would not fight if he wanted to lead. It worked out well compared to his previous runs when he went flat out and fell into a hole.
“I was a bit worried in the last 50m when Masthead came charging home, but he held on good.
“I haven’t quite decided what's next for him. I will discuss with the owners and we’ll see.”
Beasley was effusive of the galloper whom he has now partnered to five of his nine wins, the last four of which being all achieved with him in the irons.
“He’s been a good horse to me and I’m very thankful to the owners and Theo for having given me the opportunity to have a good combination with him,” said the Australian hoop.
“Theo has always placed him very well throughout his career and it’s no surprise he has now won nine races here.
“I think he went into the KrisFlyer a little underdone. There was a nice improvement in him after his last run and I was always confident he could win tonight.
“Benji’s Empire was probably the only negativeas he was drawn on our inside, but I knew he has a habit of hanging. At the home turn, I could see he was giving Harry (Kasim) an ordinary ride and I let my horse stride to his outside.
“Theo had him spot-on tonight. He was 110% and there would have been no excuses if he had lost.”