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Target hit bullseye for the second time in a row after he led from start to finish in the $80,000 Kranji Stakes C race over 1700m on Polytrack on Friday night.
Three weeks after shedding his Kranji maiden status in a Class 4 Non Premier race over 1700m, the US-bred five-year-old by War Front doubled the dose in even more impressive fashion.
While Daniel Meagher’s charge came off a handy spot on his way to his first win, the second win was won from the moment he hit terra firma in the driving seat upon dispatch.
Ridden again by last-start winning partner Glen Boss, Target ($21) was always in control as he steadied up the ship midrace before going for broke in the home straight.
After tracking up Target from the off, longshots Northern Knight (Zawari Razali) and Golden Thunder (Simon Kok Wei Hoong) could not quite keep up when Target dashed clear at the 300m mark.
The backmarkers were chipping away at the margin, but without really putting in a big indent as Target kept working home strongly to salute by 2 ½ lengths from the fast-finishing Mighty Emperor (Barend Vorster) with Heracles (Nooresh Juglall) third another half-a-length away. The winning time was 1min 46.8secs for the 1700m on Polytrack.
Meagher, who had his father and former mentor John by his side at the winner’s circle, said the Thai-owned gelding has turned the corner ever since he was switched to the alternative track.
“I didn’t think he would lead to be honest, but he was rated perfectly and Glen rode him a treat. He is a top-quality jockey,” said Meagher.
“This horse has improved so much since he went on Polytrack. I’m very happy for his owner Mr Krit (Chisatteni) and I think he will become a nice stayer.”
Boss said with the benefit of hindsight, he was mindful not to go the early crow with Target this time around. At their last win, the pair opened up to a commanding break, but shortened up noticeably 100m out only to scrape home by half-a-length from Carnelian.
“He doesn’t necessarily have to lead. Last time, he pinched four lengths on them and was one-paced to the line,” said the Australian jockey.
“I didn’t want to fall for that trap tonight and waited for as long as I could before pushing the button. He was travelling really relaxed for me, and from the 300m to the 200m, he improved nicely, and then he showed a nice turn of speed.
“This horse has really turned his form around.”
That second win has now seen Target take his local stakes earnings past the $100,000 mark for the Falcon Racing No 7 Stable.
As for Meagher Senior, who in his 11 years (2000 to 2011) at Kranji put 577 winners under his belt, he could not be beaming more proudly as the youngest of his three sons (Paul and Chris are the other two, with the latter a trainer in Victoria) led in his 64th winner as a trainer in his own right in Singapore.
“Dan is my youngest son and he’s doing really well for himself here. I’m very proud of him,” said Meagher Snr who now trains in Brisbane.
