Fast Rich - Very Fast

Only one racing fixture this weekend in Singapore as the Turf Club gears up for a massive weekend of racing next weekend (and we will be there). However Te Akau Singapore trainer Mark Walker wasn't about to miss the opportunity to deliver yet another winner - with the honours going the way of Fast Rich.

Purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis at the 2013 NZB Ready to Run Sale, the 3YO Iffraaj gelding looks to have a very promising future ahead of him.  Last night was start number four and in those four starts he had already recorded a fourth and second placing - with that runner up effort showing he wasn't far from breaking through for his maiden victory.

That came last night in the hands of former Singapore champion - and Te Akau stable - apprentice Shafiq Rusof who settled the horse in sixth and patiently rode him with precision timing to snare the win by just a nose.

Costing just $70,000 and raced by the Eight Eight One Stable, he is well on his way to recouping his purchase price and more.

The team raced well last night in Singapore with other notable performances coming from Dreamcatcher (2nd) as well and third placegetters Fine Choice, Iking, Ready Fortune and Eaton's Gold.

Mark retains the lead of the Singapore Trainers' Premiership - a position he has held for almost the whole season.  With 38 wins, 25 second and 49 third placings to his credit, he is currently nine wins ahead of the second placed trainer - and stakes' earnings are rocketing towards the $2 million mark for Te Akau owners - with only four months of the season complete.

In New Zealand, the new training partnership of Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards saw good efforts by 2YO fillies Risque and Tatters to finish second and third respectively in the $20,000 Avondale fillies' feature on Friday and a good effort too was produced by Tavi's Star to likewise fill a runner-up spot.  At this time of the year the majority of our horses are settled in for a winter spell - watch out Spring - we can't wait to see the team in action with some outstanding equine firepower.