KUALA LUMPUR: January 12, 2025

Despite taking more than two months off, Witnessimpact proved that he is better than ever when he returned to racing and accounted a top-class field in the Supreme A Stakes over 1200m at Sungai Besi today.

The set-weight event was billed as a match-up between last season’s sensations Antipodean and Witnessimpact despite the debut of former Singapore heavyweights Super Salute and Big Hearted.

Antipodean (RM7), winner of nine of 10 starts, was the overhwlming odds-on favourite while Witnessimpact (RM17), unbeaten in four runs before he met his match in a Metro A event last Oct 26, was the firm second choice in the betting.

Super Salute and Big Hearted also came in for some support with the rest of the 12-horse field starting at long odds.

The race panned out as many expected.

Veteran galloper Violet, Witnessimact and Super Salute were the firsts away while Antipodean was also quick to take up an early position.

Witnessimpact surged to the front on settling down to lead from Violet and Super Salute who were matching strides behind the leader. Super Salute was having his first race since last May 18.

Antipodean, meanwhile, settled into a handy fourth position with a keen eye on those in front.

Witnessimpact broke away to a three-length lead making the turn into the straight with Super Salute and Violet still in the chase and Antipodean looking to wind-up for his challenge.

Witnessimpact, under apprentice Jerlyn Seow, went further ahead at the 200m and was five lengths clear of the chasing pack at one stage.

Violet soon dropped out of the chase. Super Salute was left in second spot and Antipodean is just getting into top gear.

Antipodean came with his customary dash in the final 200m but it was too late. Witnessimpact went to the line a clear 2-1/2 lengths ahead of Antipodean with a similar distance to Super Salute, a big run by the Singapore group winner.

Also catching the eye were the runs of Macau import Who Love To Dance, who flashed to finish fifth, and former Singapore Gold Cup winner who ended up in fifth.

“It was a strong win after a break,” said trainer Simon Dunderdale.

“He (Witnessimpact) keeps on improving. It was also a very good ride from Jerlyn. Overall, a very satisfying win by Witnessimpact.”

“From the (winning) trial (on Dec 31) he looked good and with a light weight (55.5kg), we were quite positive he would at least make it to the top three in this strong field.

“I think the light weight helped. He is a very nice horse.”

Seow was riding the Star Witness five-year-old for the first time today.

The gelding came to Malaysia as a maiden, having placed in four of nine starts in Australia, but has now picked up five wins in six starts in the country.