Paul Meagher
Galleria
Shock win in opener
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Favourite backers were left reeling on Sunday when Kranji witnessed one of the biggest upsets in its nine-year history with Galleria’s stunning victory at mammoth odds of $870 or 173-1.
Unsighted at his three starts the New Zealand-bred by Pentire was unsurprisingly left alone in the market, especially when the punters’ elect Bay Of Island was touted as the nap of the day.
But horses can’t read tote boards, and certainly not Galleria who under another masterful ride by South African Robbie Fradd, found a split at the right time to get up by half-a-length from Sir Tiki (John Sundradas).
The first to be shocked by the unexpected but most welcome form turnaround was his trainer John Meagher.
“I think he’s still very young, light and immature but once he steps over further he will hit his straps and get better,” said the current Singapore premiership leader (20 wins) who was seen lifting his two arms to Fradd in veneration at the return to scales.
“I didn’t think he could win today but I was pretty confident he would run well. We obviously found the right race for him today and he was helped by another perfect ride by Robbie.
“The guy’s a genius!”
Raced by The Raffles Stable, Galleria stopped the clock at 1min 22.7secs after running second last for most of the 1400m of the $65,000 Initiation race. After weaving his way down the middle of the back, Galleria burst through between runners to give his winning rider such a rush that he could not help pointing his whip at the grandstand before the finishing line.
“That has to be the biggest priced horse I’ve ever won on! But all credit to John for giving me the right instructions,” said a delighted Fradd.
“He just asked me to ride him quiet at the back and let him come along by himself. He gave me a very good feeling all the way and down the straight, I had to change course a little but he fought on very well.
“He’s a definitely a horse who can go further, maybe up to 1800m I would say.”
Bay Of Island had every chance after being given the gun run by jockey Eric Legrix behind leader Our Brightia (Barend Vorster), but could not quite conclude as anticipated and was again found wanting in the last 100m to miss finishing on board by a nose.
Copyright 2008 Singapore Turf Club
p.s. robbie was fined $500 for this pose!
Galleria
Shock win in opener
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Favourite backers were left reeling on Sunday when Kranji witnessed one of the biggest upsets in its nine-year history with Galleria’s stunning victory at mammoth odds of $870 or 173-1.
Unsighted at his three starts the New Zealand-bred by Pentire was unsurprisingly left alone in the market, especially when the punters’ elect Bay Of Island was touted as the nap of the day.
But horses can’t read tote boards, and certainly not Galleria who under another masterful ride by South African Robbie Fradd, found a split at the right time to get up by half-a-length from Sir Tiki (John Sundradas).
The first to be shocked by the unexpected but most welcome form turnaround was his trainer John Meagher.
“I think he’s still very young, light and immature but once he steps over further he will hit his straps and get better,” said the current Singapore premiership leader (20 wins) who was seen lifting his two arms to Fradd in veneration at the return to scales.
“I didn’t think he could win today but I was pretty confident he would run well. We obviously found the right race for him today and he was helped by another perfect ride by Robbie.
“The guy’s a genius!”
Raced by The Raffles Stable, Galleria stopped the clock at 1min 22.7secs after running second last for most of the 1400m of the $65,000 Initiation race. After weaving his way down the middle of the back, Galleria burst through between runners to give his winning rider such a rush that he could not help pointing his whip at the grandstand before the finishing line.
“That has to be the biggest priced horse I’ve ever won on! But all credit to John for giving me the right instructions,” said a delighted Fradd.
“He just asked me to ride him quiet at the back and let him come along by himself. He gave me a very good feeling all the way and down the straight, I had to change course a little but he fought on very well.
“He’s a definitely a horse who can go further, maybe up to 1800m I would say.”
Bay Of Island had every chance after being given the gun run by jockey Eric Legrix behind leader Our Brightia (Barend Vorster), but could not quite conclude as anticipated and was again found wanting in the last 100m to miss finishing on board by a nose.
Copyright 2008 Singapore Turf Club
p.s. robbie was fined $500 for this pose!