KUALA LUMPUR:  Apr 28, 2024

ANTIPODEAN defied a promotion to trash his Class 3 rivals over 1275m on the No. 2 track at Sungai Besi here today in what was his best performance yet, to remain unbeaten in four starts since making his debut just over two months ago.

The New Zealand gelding arrived in Malaysia in January last year as a modest purchase (NZ$23,000) by trainer Simon Dunderdale at the Ready To Run sale.

The three-year-old was given a thorough preparation by Dunderdale and has been improving with every run.

Ridden by Bernardo Pinheiro, ANTIPODEAN settled a handy third third behind the early pace set by TORNADO PEGASUS. ANSU was second.

ANSU took over the lead at the halfway stage and led into the straight with TORNADO PEGASUS and ANTIPODEAN right on his heels.

ANTIPODEAN ranged alongside ANSU at the 200m and dashed to the front soon after. He then cleared away in the final 100m to win by five and a quarter lengths. ANSU held on for second.

“Impressive win by ANTIPODEAN who had his first race longer than 1100m today and a step up to Class 3,” said Dunderdale. ANTIPODEAN won his previous three starts over 1100m.

“He showed improvement with each race and today was no different,” said Pinheiro who also won on the gelding just two weeks ago.

“It was his first time over a bit of distance and we were a bit worried. It was raining but he still showed his class.

“He just sit handy and when I asked him (for an effort) in the home straight he ran on well. He has a bright future.”

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