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A charmed run along the rails saw Amazing Man burst through at the top of the straight en route to an easy win on Friday night.
Formerly trained by ex-Kranji trainer Sonny Yeoh, the one-time winner over 1200m in lowly Class 5 company last year has been pretty much around the mark this campaign, albeit without obliging for his new trainer Saimee Jumaat.
But a textbook handling by jockey A’Isisuhairi Kasim in the $60,000 Super Easy 2011 Stakes, a Class 4 race over 1700m, coupled with an unimpeded run during the crucial stages of the race eventually panned out into a three-length victory at the expense of $17 favourite Captain Jamie (Nooresh Juglall), who lost no admirers in defeat.
The difference in trajectory between the two horses probably accounted for the final result.
While Amazing Man ($31) took the shortest way home, cutting corners along the fence, Ricardo Le Grange’s much-hyped son of Captain Sonador had to tough it out three wide before going around horses at the home turn.
By the time he gathered steam, the bird had already flown.
Amazing Man romped in by three lengths from Captain Jamie with Billy Britain (Amirul Ismadi) third another two lengths away. The winning time was 1min 48.92secs for the 1700m on the Polytrack.
“He had the right weight (51kgs) and was drawn in one. What more can you ask?” said Saimee.
“His run at his last start was full of merit; he just couldn’t get a run against some quality contenders. He has improved since.
“He was well ridden by Harry. There was a nice pace as he sat behind the leaders scraping paint, just waiting for the opening and he got the job done.”
“He has won his two races on Polytrack, even if he can handle grass, too. We will probably keep him to Polytrack for now.”
A’Isisuhairi said he went into the race brimming with confidence even if Captain Jamie was a tough nut to crack.
“He was very unlucky at his last run, he couldn’t get out,” said the Group 1-winning Malaysian jockey.
“Tonight, he was travelling beautifully throughout. The pace was nice and steady, and he was also handling that surface very well.
“He gave a nice kick and took a big break. I kept looking at the screen as something from behind could still come up, like Captain Jamie, but luckily, we were safe in the end.”
A five-year-old by Keeper, Amazing Man has now taken his stakes earnings past the $100,000 mark for his owners, the ATL Stable.