With five Australian jockeys in action in Sunday’s Kranji Mile, bragging rights were well and truly up for grabs.
Michael Rodd (Debt Collector), Glen Boss (Well Done), John Powell (Laughing Gravy), Danny Beasley (War Affair) and Vlad Duric (Fastnet Dragon) were all on live chances in the Singapore Group 1, worth $700,000 (SGD).
And it was Rodd that won the day, the 34-year-old guiding countryman Cliff Brown’s rising star Debt Collector to a narrow victory over Boss’ mount Well Done in the first leg of the Singapore Triple Crown series.
“He’s still learning what it’s all about, he’s only lightly raced, but once he gets into his rhythm, he really shoots home. He can run some amazing sectionals,” Rodd told G1X.com.au.
“It’s great to win for Cliff – he’s been a massive supporter of mine, putting me straight back on after being sidelined by injury.”
Rodd and Boss were happy to bide their time, both settling their mounts at the rear of the field, before starting their runs prior to turning for home.
Soon after entering the straight, Boss attempted to take a run between Debt Collector and Quechua (Barend Vorster), but Rodd shut the door, forcing Boss to switch back to the inside.
Wide apart, the pair settled down over the final 100m to fight out the finish, with Debt Collector holding a slender margin on the line.
“That’s racing. Bossy had to have a crack, but I just held my line,” said Rodd.
A son of Thorn Park from the stakes-placed mare Prompt Payment (In The Wings), Debt Collector was bred by New Zealand’s Windsor Park Stud.
He was knocked down to respected bloodstock agent Michael Wallace for $30,000 at the New Zealand Bloodstock Select Yearling Sale in 2014, before being being offered by Prima Park at the Ready To Run Sale.
That’s where Brown stepped in, securing Debt Collector for $120,000.
Debt Collector’s Kranji Mile success improved his record to six wins from nine starts and more than $1 million (SGD) in earnings.
“To be honest, I thought he was handier than usual today. But I had left it to Michael and I trusted he knew what he was doing,” said Brown.
“I’ve been nervous since Tuesday. I have confidence in his ability, but this was his biggest test by far.
“He’s just a remarkable horse who just knows where the post is. It’s onwards to the (G1) Raffles Cup (1800m on October 30) now, but he won’t be going for the (G1) Gold Cup (2200m on November 20).
“Then he will go for a break and we will set him for the Derby next year.”
