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Lightly-raced galloper Kingracer survived an objection to land his first Singapore success at his comeback from a lengthy spell on Sunday.

A two-time Argentinian winner personally purchased by trainer Leticia Dragon last year, the four-year-old gelding by Orpen did give a sneak preview of his potential with a second and a third at his first couple of local starts last year before going off the scene for a five-month break.

Dragon had barely celebrated her feat of saddling the Golden Fashion-trained galloper to a first-up win from such a long break that a protest was fired in by jockey Manoel Nunes who rode second-placed World War for alleged interference in the home straight.

Kingracer ($34) was seen hanging in as he came with a sweeping run under jockey John Powell’s urgings. A few lengths behind, the Leslie Khoo-trained World War ran into dead ends and was forced to change course to find clear galloping room.

Kingracer kept his head down and went on to score by 1 ½ lengths from the unlucky World War. After a quick deliberation, the objection was dismissed by the Singapore stewards.

Dragon said Kingracer, her third winner for the year, was tipped out after hurting his tendon following his last race last August.

“He just knocked his tendon area a bit and I decided to give him a break. I wasn’t in a hurry to bring him back as I thought he was such a nice horse who could develop into a nice four-year-old this year,” she said.

“He trialled very well last week (fourth to Ghost), and as I was able to bring his racing weight back to a normal figure, I thought he was ready for his racing comeback.

“Johnny gave him a good ride as well. On that run, I think he can even go up to 1400m.

“I’m also very happy for the owners Mr and Mrs Lau who have been owners with my dad since I was a little girl. It’s good that they have supported the Dragon family for such a long time and are still having so much fun at the races!”

At barrier rise, Genuine Bargain (Davy Bonilla) was one of the first to pounce to the lead before Rising Expectation (Kasim A’Isisuhairi) came sprinting past at the 900m to take over the running. Meanwhile, after being trapped three deep early, Kingracer was able to get cover just behind the speed.

Swinging for home, Rising Expectation went hard against on the rails, but Kingracer powered down the middle for a decisive winning break while World War salvaged the situation with a brave second.

Dragon bought Kingracer as part of an Argentinian experiment, which also included debut winner Good Loouken and Stormy Along, a three-year-old by Easing Along who has yet to make his debut.