No stopping the Antipodean express

KUALA LUMPUR:  Jul 13, 2024

The ANTIPODEAN express just keeps rolling on and on.

The New Zealand gelding followed up on his win in the 3YO Pacific Cup (1200m) three weeks ago to win the RM100,000 New Zealand Bloodstock 3YO Trophy over 1400m at Sungai Besi here today to stretch his unbeaten record to seven wins.

And the son of Derryn had to do it the hard way but came through thanks to a superb ride by Singapore based Carlos Henrique.

Drawn barrier eight in the field of 10, ANTIPODEAN was caught three-wide all the way till the home straight.

CHARMING WIN set the pace from JING JIN with LAXON a handy third. Next came RHYTHM OF ZEN, who finished second in the Pacific Cup two weeks ago, and ANTIPODEAN.

The field bunched up at the 400m with only four lengths separating the first and last runner.

LAXON dashed through a gap between the two front runners to make it three in a line with JING JIN and CHARMING WN. ANTIPODEAN was just a a length away next.

Eight horses were stretched across the track almost in a line approaching the 200m. LAXON took the lead shortly after but was then challenged by ANTIPODEAN.

ANTIPODEAN dashed to the front and kicked away with 150m to go. MILITARY FLAG looked menacing at one stage but failed to make any headway in the closing stages, eventually beaten by the fast-finishing GRAPHJET EXPRESS for second place.

It was a fitting result for the race’s sponsors as ANTIPODEAN was purchased by trainer Simon Dunderdale for NZ$23,000 at the Ready To Run Sale in 2020.

“He (ANTIPODEAN) raced all the way on the bridle,” said Henrique who has ridden nine winners in Singapore this season.

“The straight here is quite long and he hit the front earlier than I had wanted. He took the lead easily and then relaxed. So I had to work him hard towards the end.

“It’s my first time here and I enjoyed the track. It’s an amazing chance to come today and I hope to come here more often.”

“ANTIPODEAN is a special horse,” said Dunderdale. “Seven wins in-a-row is quite a feat.

“He was caught wide throughout but credit to Carlos (Henrique) for not panicking and finished the race well.”

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