KUALA LUMPUR:  Jun 15, 2024

Although he was rather consistent, finishing on the board in 13 of 19 starts at Kranji, MONTANA FLASH did not live up to the expectations of his owners while racing in Singapore.

The Australian gelding has been given a second chance to prove his worth in Malaysia and the son of Star Turn is moving in the right direction.

After finishing fourth in his initial three runs in the country, the five-year-old found his spark when he made all the running to win the Supreme C set-weight event over 1600m at Sungai Besi here today.

First to break from his inside barrier, MONTANA FLASH went to the front straight away but was kept on a tight hold by apprentice Azizi Azhari.

The even-money favourite GOLDEN PEACH tracked him on settling down and ranged alongside the leader as the field made the turn into the straight.

MONTANA FLASH held his ground initially, then kicked away to a clear lead at the 200m when GOLDEN PEACH came under pressure. LIM’S BETTERREADY came with a late surge but MONTANA FLASH was home and dry, winning by two and three-quarter lengths.

MONTANA FLASH was purchased for A$550,000 as a yearling and finished on the board in three of six runs at two including a fourth-place finish in the Group 3 Canonbury Stakes at Rosehill.

After two unplaced starts at three, however, he was sold for A$70,000 at an online sale and landed in Singapore where he managed a win in Open Maiden company.

“He (MONTANA FLASH) has always shown potential while in Singapore but was never able to put it together after his maiden win,” said trainer Parama Sivan Veerapan. “He has his quirks and a mind of his own.”

“I am happy for the owner of BUMBLEBEE who bought him over and brought him to Kuala Lumpur to race and giving him another chance to fulfill his potential.

“I told the rider (Azizi) jump and be up there, no need to fight for the lead, but go to the front if there is no pace on and stick to the rails. He did well as instructed.”

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