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Kok's rising talent Real effective over a trip

3 minute read

Up-and-comer Real Efecto’s facile victory in the $50,000 Class 4 Polytrack race over 1800m on Saturday proved trainer David Kok right in believing that a step-up in distance would suit the gelding right down to the ground.

REAL EFECTO winning the CLASS 4
REAL EFECTO winning the CLASS 4 Picture: Singapore Turf Club

A short head winner over the mile at his last start for the same winning partner, Danny Beasley, the Real Impact four-year-old was even more emphatic with another 200m to complete, and then some, judging from the way he looked to be just warming up past the winning post.

Ensconcing himself into the box-seat coming off the first bend, Real Efecto  ($13) looked to be ambling along on the bit, before really standing out like superior cattle when he was angled out for his run at the point of the turn.

In a few strides, he effortlessly cruised past leaders Axel (Jerlyn Seow Poh Hui) and Fortune Star (Simon Kok Wei Hoong) enroute towards a most authoritative 2 ¾-length win.

Axel hung on for second place, three-quarter length away from Fortune Star, who just held Sound The Siren (Hakim Kamaruddin) off by a short head. The winning time was 1min 53.04secs for the 1800m on Polytrack.

Kok once had 3YO aspirations for Real Efecto, whom he shares with five other partners, but eventually altered plans towards targets that were more up his alley for the time being.

"I thought about it, but I didn't want to run him in the end because there were only 1200m and 1400m races. They are too short for him," said the Singaporean handler.

"He's more of a stayer type. After passing the post just now, he wouldn't pull up until the 1800m!

"I was not worried about his first time over a distance, but I was a bit worried with how fresh he was in the parade ring.

"But that's quite normal for him. He's not settled, but thank goodness, he's a lot more settled in his races, which is more important.

"Last time, he would pull hard, but Danny has very good hands and got him to relax. In the running, I was happy where he was and when he switched out and saw daylight, I knew he couldn't lose."

Kok said he was in no hurry to test Real Efecto at a higher level, even if he is probably going to be slapped with a few points off his current 61 after that enthralling display.

"We'll aim high slowly with him," he said. "Maybe next year, but for now, we'll just take him to those lower races and take him through his grades."

Kok and partners have more than recouped their outlay of A$42,000 on Real Efecto with stakes in excess of $130,000 already banked in from three wins and four placings in 11 starts under the belt.


Singapore Turf Club

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