KUALA LUMPUR:  May 26, 2024

HEART OF FIRE caused a major upset when he led another outsider, RED OCEAN, to a 1-2 finish in the Class 3 – 1275m handicap on the No. 2 track at Sungai Besi here today, dealing a big blow to punters who had sent MILITARY FLAG off as the RM7 odds-on favourite.

HEART OF FIRE, who had a win and two placings in 12 starts in New Zealand, created a big impression when he led all the way in Malaysian debut to win by seven and three-quarter lengths in a Class 4 – 1300m race last November.

Promoted to Class 3, the Australian gelding was unplaced a month later.

Resuming after a three-month break, HEART OF FIRE finished last in the Chairman’s Trophy last March (in which MILITARY FLAG finished third).

Back in Class 3, HEART OF FIRE again showed lightning speed at the start to lead from his outside barrier 10.

The four-year-old was always well clear of his rivals and was some six lengths clear at the 150m mark.

Feeling the effect of his earlier effort, HEART OF FIRE shortened strides in the final 50m but had too much to spare, winning by one and a quarter lengths from RED OCEAN who was flashing home. MILITARY FLAG had every chance, finishing third. The winner paid RM153 for a win.

“He (HEART OF FIRE) is an honest horse but had a bit of bad luck last start,” said trainer Cheng Han Yong.

“I believe he will keep improving and race at Group 1 level one day.

“A big thanks to my bloodstock agent who has been sending me good young horses consistently.”

“I got to the lead easily after the start and kept him on a tight hold,” said apprentice Haikal Hasin who also won on the horse last November. “At the top of the straight, he gave me a second ‘gear’ and we won quite easily.”

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