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Perth jockey Joseph Azzopardi did not have to wait too long to open his account in Singapore after he scored at his only ride of Friday night, Drone in the $50,000 Class 4 Division 3 race over 1200m.
Beginning his three-month stint last Friday when he finished out of the placings from four rides who were to be fair not really live hopes, the 23-year-old did not let his solitary booking go begging one week later.
Though posted out the widest in gate No 12, Azzopardi was quick to punch the Golden Archer three-year-old out into a prominent berth, happy to just keep race-leader Ladrone (John Sundradas) in his sights.
Swinging for home, Drone easily shot past the weakening bunny, and it would have taken a brave person to tip against the West Australian hoop from breaking the ice with 200m to go.
Drone ($44) had Lim’s Knight (Benny Woodworth) as the only challenger who could still thwart him, but he didn’t falter, leaving the Daniel Meagher-trained galloper chasing shadows though the margin was whittled down to half-a-length in the end.
Gold Strike (Michael Rodd) ran third another 2 ¾ lengths away. The winning time was 1min 12.42secs for the 1200m on the Polytrack.
Azzopardi couldn’t have been more relieved that much-needed first winner has come sooner rather than later.
“I was never in doubt once he got across. My only concern was the wide gate,” said Azzopardi who came to Kranji boasting a tally of 380 winners racked up in eight years of riding in Perth.
“Once he could cross, I was very confident, and he worked to the line good. It feels much better now that I’ve got that first winner out of the way.
“I’m really enjoying my stay in Singapore, and hopefully, it’s onwards and upwards from now.”
Clements said from the short time Azzopardi had been helping out with trackwork at the yard, thanks to his assistant-trainer Michael White who knew him from his Perth days with Simon Miller, he had already seen some good work ethic.
“Joe has done a pretty good job in Perth. My B-trainer knows him, there was a connection there and from the short time he’s been here, he’s proven to be a good worker and I think he’s got a bright future here,” said Clements.
“To be honest, we were a bit disappointed at his first-up run after a good break because he trialled really well.
“Vlad (Duric) came back and said he was looking for six furlongs and he also needed the run. Tonight, Joe rode him a treat.
“He gave him every chance from a wide barrier and they came off some fairly reasonable sectionals. We got him from the Gold Coast breeze-ups, he’s pretty smart, but I think the real test will come when he goes up to Class 3 company.”
Drone has now recorded three wins, two seconds and one third from 10 starts for stakes earnings that have tipped over the $120,000 mark for the Falcon Racing No 7 Stable.