3 minute read

Just the sole meeting in Singapore over the weekend with the Cliff Brown trained Pax Animi a key performance on Friday night.

Only a recent addition to the Brown stable, Pax Animi [Old Name: Cat Raider], began his career with Australian trained Melody Cunningham.

Only seen on the three occasions, Pax Animi failed to fire at his first two starts, before bolting at Ballarat over 1400m.

Sold and transferred shortly after, Pax Animi won well on debut for Brown, when simply too good under Michael Rodd.

Stepped up to Class 3 company at his next start, Pax Animi took a good step forward, despite unable to win, finishing second behind Ironside.

 An eye catcher late, he clearly appreciated the step up to 1400m on Friday night, when very strong through the line.

Ridden by Patrick Maloney, Pax Animi found the rail in the back half of the field, with the Stephan Gray trained Wecando taking up the running.

Behind a wall of horses coming into the straight, Maloney eased him off heels, working his way into the clear passing the 300m.

Bursting through at the 200m, Pax Animi hit the front inside the 100m and held off the late challengers down the outside.

Saluting by just under a length, Pax Animi returned a new career peak, now rated 77 by Timeform.

Does get harder from here, but he's certainly trending the right way and is bred to be even better at a mile and beyond.

Brown was quick to echo his high opinion of the 4YO, with the Group 1 Singapore Derby being his main aim.

"He's a really nice horse and he's a got a lovely turn of foot," Brown said.

"He's a horse who has kept progressing since he's been here and Michael Rodd really loves him, but I wish the Derby is not just ratings-based after they moved it from July to April.

"We have only March and April to get him there. It should be based on performance."

Now rated 73, he is working his way up through the grades, but it remains to be seen whether he can gain some more points to qualify for his ultimate target on April 18.

Either way, he is a horse to follow.

Stablemate Bluestone was the big disappointment.

Looked to have every possible, though he may be better suited ridden quiet.

His win two back was very good and he is a lot better than he showed on Friday night, stick with him.