3 minute read

The Shane Baertschiger trained Aramaayo landed his first Group 1 success on Sunday, proving too strong in the Kranji Mile.

The third victory at the top level for Baertschiger, Aramaayo continued the stable's great run.

Formerly trained by James Cummings, Aramaayo [Old Name: Aramayo] displayed good talent in his 14 starts, despite only notching up the two career wins.

He was Group 1 placed in the Spring Champion Stakes [2000m] and left Australian shores rated 115 by Timeform.

While only able to run up to that level once, he had proven time and time again that he was a 100+ horse.

Since arriving in Singapore, Aramaayo had placed in five of six attempts, prior to winning Sunday's Group 1 mile event.

He caught the eye first up over 1100m and clearly relish the step up in trip on Sunday.

Jumping away well from the middle draw, Aramaayo settled midfield and while caught three wide, he had cover behind race favourite Countofmontecristo.

Recording 23.92 for the first 400m, they certainly didn't loaf in front, keeping up the genuine tempo to run the first half in 46 seconds.

Tracking Countofmontecristo into the straight, he enjoyed a dream run and popped off his back passing the 400m.

Levelling up inside the 200m, Aramaayo took over, drawing clear to score by half a length from the fast finishing Top Knight.

Countofmontecristo stuck on well to finish a close third, but the early work told.

In what was a 10/10 ride from Ruan Maia, Aramaayo took full advantage and returned a Timeform rating of 107.

Hong Kong Star Southern Legend had won the previous two years, running a Timeform rating of 117 on both occasions.

Prior to that Infantry ran 109 when successful in 2017, while Debt Collector ran 112 in 2016.

Given he was only second up, I do feel Aramaayo has more to come and Baertschiger would still be learning about him every preparation.

Whether he can get back to 115, I'm not too sure, however a figure around 110 appears in reach, if successful, he would be very hard to beat in the Singapore Derby.

After analysing the sectionals, would be very forgiving of Countofmontecristo.

Not only was he forced to sit three wide without cover, but proved to be too close to the hot tempo.

I don' think there was much more Louis-Philippe Beuzelin could have done, he was a victim of circumstance.

Had he been able to slot in earlier or possibly ridden quieter, he would have won.

Not taking away from Aramaayo, but the best horse didn't win on Sunday.

If you backed Countofmontecristo, I understand you are dirty, but stick with him, he'll reward you.