Te Akau Singapore Weekend Winning Double

Te Akau’s Singapore stable was also in winning form at the weekend - emulating the New Zealand stable’s weekend double success at Riccarton and Rotorua - with a Kranji double. 

Both winners, Knippenberg and Gun, carry the Fortuna Racing colours with Gun the first to salute the judge at start number three.  The son of Extreme Choice produced a staunch effort to win the S$20,000 Open Maiden over 1200m ridden by Te Akau apprentice Sarwi Jamil.

Jumping well and utilising his handy draw, the 3YO settled right in behind the leader and, full of running as they turned in, got off the fence at just the right time and overhauled the leader, albeit running a little greenly, to go on to win by a comfortable 2.5 lengths.

Te Akau Singapore trainer Donna Logan noted: “it was a really strong win on the turf after he disappointed on the poly track last time out,  His lead up work had been solid and the apprentice rode him a treat”.

Later in the programme is was the turn of Knippenberg to claim line honours, prevailing over a strong field in the S$70,000 Class 3 1200m also on the turf.  

With his engaged rider stood down due to an earlier fall (no injury sustained), replacement rider TH Koh got the business done.  

Having been unlucky in recent starts, the 4YO deserved a change of fortune and so it came to pass.  He has always shown this distance to be up his alley as well as an appreciation of the long course. These factors combined to see the horse bounced back in fine style for his fourth Singapore win.

The winning double takes Te Akau Singapore’s season tally to 33 wins for the season, with S$1.64 million in stake money won for owners.