3 minute read

Apprentice rider Zyrul Nor Azman stole the show at Kranji on Saturday when notching up his first career hat-trick.

Beginning his career in New Zealand, Zyrul transferred to Singapore in 2017 when first indentured to ex-Kranji trainer Bruce Marsh.

Boasting a career haul of 65 winners (29 in New Zealand), Zyrul had come close to riding a winning treble in the past but had just fallen short (Dreamer Legend and Lonhro Gold on May 10, 2019 - Dreamer Legend and Mings Man on January 26, 2020).

On Saturday he opened his account in the first event when booting home the James Peters' trained Wind Of Dubai.

In his first ride aboard the three-year-old Zyrul bounced him out nicely and settled right on the speed.

Dropping back from the mile to 1400m, Wind Of Dubai was rock hard fit and clearly appreciated the solid tempo.

In terms of position and pace, Zyrul couldn't have done anything more, he flushed it.

The fifth event saw Zyrul bring up his winning double when linking up with the Tim Fitzsimmons trained Nate's Champion.

Not far off the mark in two previous starts, Nate's Champion was at his top third up and was another beneficiary of a positive ride from Zyrul.

In a similar mould to Wind Of Dubai, Zyrul got it spot on and was able to maximise Nate's Champion's performance.

Saluting easily by four lengths, Nate's Champion returned a new career peak and is expected to be hard to beat again in similar company.

Emerging galloper King's Command rounded out the treble for Zyrul when a class above in the tenth event.

Trained by Shane Baertschiger, King's Command won impressively first up over 1400m before taking a good step forward on Saturday when tried beyond a mile for the first time.

A noted backmarker, Zyrul always looked to be in control and once placed into the clear his class shone through.

Now rated 76 by Timeform, King's Command continues to progress and is one to follow when stepped out over further.