Bright Future

Rise ‘N' Shine franked his solid trial form both here and in New Zealand to score an impressive win on debut on Friday night.

Prepared by trainer Mark Walker, the Zabeel three-year-old unleashed a blinding turn of foot inside the final 300m to despatch his eight rivals in the $65,000 Restricted Maiden race over 1200m with impetuous ease.

Jumping on terms from his outermost alley, Rise ‘N' Shine was snagged back by jockey Manoel Nunes to settle at the rear while the two leading fancies Ninetysix Champ (Danny Beasley) and Mister Candy (Barend Vorster) led the early charge.

Turning for home, Mister Candy tried to put an indent into the margin separating him and Ninetysix Champ, but Alwin Tan's ward raised another gear and looked well on his way to giving his in-form trainer an early race-to-race double after the yard opened proceedings with Simpang in Race 1.

But right on the outside, a tangerine threat had suddenly sprung onto the scene - Rise ‘N' Shine, who had been hooked out wide by Nunes for his final approach. Ninetysix Champ looked like he could also stamp out that second belligerent act, but it was only an illusion once Rise ‘N' Shine lengthened strides, scooting clear to score by 1 ¾ lengths from Ninetysix Champ with Mister Candy plugging on for third another three parts of a length away.

Rise ‘N' Shine ran the 1200m on the Short Course in 1min 10.62secs and returned a payout of $32 to his backers.

Walker was again thankful to his main supporter David Ellis of Te Akau Racing for having given him another quality galloper to train. The unraced gelding had several barrier trial placings in New Zealand under his belt before he continued with the same trend at Kranji.

“I didn't really expect him to score over 1200m as he is a Zabeel, but he came with good trial form and he's obviously well-educated,” said the Kiwi handler.

“He's out of a mare called Kay's Awake, who was a very good mare that used to chase Darci Brahma (one of Walker's all-time greats and now a popular sire) all the time.

“He's another good purchase of David Ellis out of the Karaka sales. He is owned by a group of racing enthusiasts from New Zealand.

"I will keep stepping him up to the mile as he's obviously looking for more ground.”

Nunes said he felt Rise ‘N' Shine was something special from the very first day he sat on him.

“I told Mark from the first time I started to ride him he had a good horse,” said the leading Brazilian jockey. “He's got a good temperament and a lovely action about him.

“As he drew a wide barrier, I didn't want him to be caught in the speed battle. They were too quick for him and I just sat him at the back.

“I was never worried as I know he's the sort who'll get better over more ground. Once I took him out at the top of the straight, he just flew home.”

Credit - Singapore Turf Club