KUALA LUMPUR:  Jun 9, 2024

ANTIPODEAN accounted for some big names to win the Metro A set-weight event over 1400m at Sungai Besi here today, stretching his unbeaten run to five.

It was the first big test for the rising star of local racing.

Trainer Simon Dunderdale purchased the son of Derryn for just NZ$23,000 at the Ready To Run Sale and prepared him for a year before sending him to the races.

ANTIPODEAN was a sensation from the very first start, winning all his races easily.

Promoted to Class 3, the three-year-old was tried beyond 1100m for the first time in late April and beat his rivals by five and a quarter lengths over 1275m.

Despite coming up against some of the best around today, ANTIPODEAN still started odds-on (RM8) and proved his class with another stylish display.

First to break from his inside barrier, jockey Rizuan Shafiq elected to settle ANTIPODEAN just off the pace.

He lost his place on the rails halfway through the race when BERRY BLISS dropped back and Shafiq took him outside of that runner.

Shafiq then took him four-wide making the home turn.

The pacemaker GOOD FIGHT, winner of the Coronation Cup last year, was still well clear coming to the 200m with BERRY BLISS and ANTIPODEAN desperately trying to close the gap on the “yielding’ track.

Soon after, however, ANTIPODEAN opened up nicely and surged to the front. He went on to win by one and a quarter lengths. Perak Derby winner TRUMPY flashed home to pip BERRY BLISS for second.

“He’s (ANTIPODEAN) had got a bright future,” said Shafiq. “I think he will improve more and more.”

“Strong win today considering ANTIPODEAN is in Class 3 and racing against open class horses,” said Dunderdale. “He seemed to like the longer journey as well.”

“Well done jockey Shafiq with five wins and on ANTIPODEAN’s fifth win.” (See separate report)

Dunderdale saddled OLYMPIA and FATAL ATTRACTION to victory earlier and leads the table with 29 winners.

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