Trainer Alwin Tan’s idea of giving Dixieland Rock an easier introduction to racing in a Restricted Maiden race paid instant dividends on Friday night.

The Singaporean handler always had the Singapore Golden Horseshoe series in mind for the Thai-owned Husson two-year-old, but his greenness and plainness did not augur too well for a straight go at the juvenile series.

A dress rehearsal of sorts would be ideal, Tan thought. 



Dixieland Rock (Kok Wei Hoong) collars Hooga Net (Nooresh Juglall, obscured) just before the line in 
Race 2, picture Singaporre Turf Club

Tan short-circuited the first two Legs of the series, aiming Dixieland Rock towards the $85,000 Restricted Maiden race over 1200m as his racing debut instead, with the 49.5kgs the main carrot.

Dixieland Rock was indeed green as grass throughout the race, lording over his young apprentice rider Simon Kok Wei Hoong with his rather ungainly and gangly action.

But that unpolished ability was clearly in the house when young Kok stoked him up once he angled him out for his dash to the line. Hooga Net (Nooresh Juglall) looked to have the race all stitched up once he put race-leader Lonhro Gold (Michael Rodd) astern, but Dixieland Rock rocketed home to finish over the top of them to score by a neck at $188 odds.

Kranji Gold (Vlad Duric) ran third another half-a-length away. The winning time was 1min 12.88secs for the 1200m on the Polytrack.

“He did not show much in four jumpouts. I thought I’d run him in a Restricted Maiden race for the light weight first,” said Tan.

“Even though they went fast in front, Simon didn’t panic. He’s the kind of horse who doesn’t like to be pushed too much, just likes to go at his own pace.

“I seldom use shadow rolls on my horses, but after my track rider told me he was too nervous, I thought I’d use it on him. It was thanks to the stable’s hard work we got the result tonight.

“I will now look at the remaining Legs of the Singapore Golden Horseshoe series and decide which one he will go for.”

Kok was grateful for the ride, even if he went in without great expectations from such inexperienced babies.

“The horse was at his first start for Alwin Tan. He just told me to jump him where he was comfortable,” said the Malaysian apprentice jockey.

“He jumped quite good and travelled well. He was quite green but he hit the line very well.”