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The well-backed Rafaello came off a ding-dong battle in the $75,000 Restricted Maiden 2 Year Old race (1200m) to score a narrow win at only his second start.
From his good barrier (2), the Patrick Shaw-trained gelding, who was sent out as the second favourite ($17) enjoyed a relatively easy run with his rider Nooresh Juglall settling him in the box seat.
But it was upon straightening that things hotted up when Juglall peeled the Oratorio two-year-old off the heels of the leader Aloha (Koh Teck Huat) before nudging his way past Hussonator (Corey Brown). Rafaello bounded away immediately but was soon collared by Marine Treasure (Michael Rodd) who came from midfield with a strong burst of speed.
A hard-fought two-horse battle ensued where Marine Treasure tried valiantly, but the Steven Burridge-trained galloper had to settle for second place in the end, a short head away from Rafaello with Aloha third, another two-lengths-and-a-half away. The winning time was 1min 11.86secs on the Short Course.
Juglall said it was a keen tussle to the line, but he was glad it was his mount who came out victorious.
“He’s a good horse but he’s still pretty green,” said the Mauritian pilot. “So when he hit the front he didn’t know what he was doing until Michael’s horse came next to me but he put up a good fight and won a game race.
“I think 1400m to a mile would suit him better but obviously that would be the future as he’s still a baby.
“A big thanks to the stable for their support through the difficult times and it was great to have a Hari Raya win for them.”
Shaw agreed with Juglall that the Fred Crabbia-owned runner would be even better over a longer trip.
“It was a gutsy win from him and he’s a lovely horse,” said the South African conditioner. “He did well in his past run and his barrier trial and his work has been good.
“I will probably run him in a Class 4 race next and I’m considering giving him a bit of ground but that will be much later on.
“Well done to Fred Crabbia who has been a great supporter of our stable for a long time.”