Visiting jockeys were off to a flier at Kranj on Saturday. One race after Hong Kong hoop Karis Teetan took the opener on Big Wave, Sydney rider Jason Collett was not to be outdone when he followed suit on Auspicious Day.
While Mauritian-born Teetan was not a newbie at Kranji, having already won the Group 2 EW Barker Trophy aboard Lim’s Cruiser in 2016, New Zealander Collett was at his very first ride in Singapore.
The 26-year-old is in town to take the ride aboard New Zealand raider Ocean Emperor in the $1.5 million Invitational Group 1 Kranji Mile (1600m) later in the proceedings.
Auspicious Day (Jason Collett) scores back-to-back wins in Race 2 on Saturday, picture Singapore Turf Club
Collett, whose younger sister Alysha just began a six-month contract last week and has picked up two seconds, was obviously thrilled at the “auspicious” start to the day.
“The horse had a lovely run. I had plenty of horse to work with and I gave him a squeeze, he won very well,” said Collett.
“The trainer (Leslie Khoo) was confident he would run well up to the mile even if he was at his first test over that trip. A big thank you to the trainer for the good ride.
“It’s great to be here. Alysha just started and she’s already got a couple of placings, she should win her fair share soon (she later won her first race on Eye Guy in the next race).
“I was actually surprised with the amount of rain on the way to the track. It’s quite amazing as they wouldn’t be racing back home (after that).”
Auspicious Day ($34), who opened his account at his last start at Restricted Maiden level, was not the quickest out of the gates, as is his habit, but seemed to be travelling relaxed enough at the rear for his first-time partner.
When Collet decided the Showcasing trhee-year-old needed a wriggle on, they started to noticeably work through the field before charging down the middle of the straight towards a comprehensive 2 ½-length win from Nova Classic (Benny Woodworth) with Star Jack (Olivier Placais) third another half-length away.
The winning time was 1min 35.6secs for the 1600m on the Long Course.
That second win has now edged Auspicious Day’s earnings closer to the $150,000 mark for the Angie No 3 Stable.
