Singapore Double as Unsurpassed Wins

The Te Akau Unsurpassed Syndicate had reason for celebration when Unsurpassed (4 g Exceed and Excel - Alamantra, by Elusive Quality) capitalized on an ideal trip to win the $38,000 Kranji D 1200 metres on Sunday at Kranji racecourse in Singapore.

Trainer Mark Walker had saddled Awatere (Charge Forward) to win an earlier race for connections in New Zealand and Unsurpassed followed suit in stylish fashion to give the premiership leading trainer, and jockey Vlad Duric, another victory.

From barrier one, Duric had Unsurpassed into his work from the outset to trail before steadying to fourth at the 800m. Finding a timely gap at the 400m, Unsurpassed wound up strongly and was pulling away over the concluding stages to win by one length.

Stable-mate Asprey (Alamosa) also ran on solidly for third, under Shafiq Rizuan who spent the early years of his riding career under Mark Walker's tutelage in New Zealand. He has twice been the Champion Apprentice in Singapore, indentured to Walker.

Racing on the turf, Unsurpassed ran the 1200 metres in 1:10.1 and as third favourite he paid $5.10 & $1.90 on the NZ TAB.

“It was a good win,” Walker said. “He's no superstar, but he's found a couple of the right races to win two of his last four starts and he's a sound horse that's been rewarded for consistency.

“He was bought as a potential stallion prospect, but his temperament and performance didn't let him remain as a colt. So he's up here in Singapore and doing well in getting a good part of the original investment back for his owners.”

Unsurpassed was purchased by David Ellis following the Sydney Easter Sale after being passed in. This year at that same sale, Marcus Corban purchased Unsurpassed's half sister, a Medaglia d'Oro filly who has been entrusted to Te Akau to train by her new owner, Dr Phillip Mak. Dr Mak this weekend had his first black type success when the Te Akau trained Shocking Luck, purchased for him by David Ellis, claimed the Group 3 Rough Habit Plate at Doomben.

A winner on debut at home before departing for Singapore, Unsurpassed has now recorded a further three victories and the manner of his win suggests that more could follow.

“He'll definitely win more races because he'll just go up and down the grades,” Walker said. “He'll be top of Class 4 now, so that's another step up again. But, he's in form, he's consistent and all we can do is to prepare them as best we can.

“Vlad (Duric) gave him a great ride. There had been a real on speed, lead/trail, bias today so drawing the inside gate helped a lot as well.

“(Singapore) Guineas Day, they're always tough fields so it's nice to get a couple of wins,” said Walker, who clicked over 400 wins in Singapore with Awatere's victory.