KUALA LUMPUR:  Feb 24, 2024

It was third time lucky for HIGH WATER in tackling a Metro A event when fought his way to a narrow win in a 1075m sprint on the No 2 track at Sungai Besi here today.

For practically all of last year, the Australian gelding did his racing in Class 3. Then the six-year-old was tested in a Metro A se-weight race for the first time last December but finished last over 1200m.

Just 12 days ago, HIGH WATER again participated in a similar race and this time gave an improved performance to finish third to THE MAREEBA MANGO.

On that strength of that run, HIGH WATER was installed favourite today despite racing against some tough opponents, headed by the topweight SINCERELY whose last win came in a Metro A event last July.

There was a keen tussle after the jump, and HIGHWATER eventually broke away from the pack to lead early. MAGIC CAPTAIN, however, took over the running at the 800m and led into the straight just ahead of HIGH WATER and XAR. The trio were almost in a line at the 400m.

HIGH WATER shot clear half way down the straight and looked set for a comfortable win.

However, after racing well off the pace most of the way, SINCERELY began to charge home in the final 150m. But HIGH WATER had just enough to spare to win by a short head from SINCERELY.

“Nice win for HIGH WATER,” said trainer Simon Dunderdale who saddled four winners for the day.

“We weren’t sure about how he would handle the inside (No. 2) track with the wide barrier. But he jumped so good and was soon right on the pace. Well ridden by Daniel (Jagadishan).”

“My instructions were to sit handy and follow the leader,” said Daniel. “My horse was travelling very well all the way and he gave me a nice kick in the straight. He fought well to the finish.”

HIGH WATER won two of his five starts in Singapore but soon found his way to Malaysia where he was unbeaten in his first two starts in Class 4 in mid 2022. He also picked up a win over 1100m last July. 

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