3 minute read

Not that we ever needed a push for the Inferno form, though Mr Malek did just that when too good in the twelfth event on Saturday.

A game third behind the star galloper in the Group 2 Singapore Classic, Mr Malek lined up against one of Singapore's best and took full advantage of his pull in the weights.

In his debut for new trainer Mark Walker, Countofmontecristo conceded 6kg to his younger rival and just had no answers late.

Quite an exciting contest, the Lee Freedman trained Loyalty Man set a good tempo out in front with Countofmontecristo settling fourth.

Mr Malek tracked him throughout in sixth with both gallopers conceding the leaders a decent start on straightening.

Countofmontecristo made the first move, looming up to the lead and taking over approaching the 200m.

Mr Malek struggled to match his sprint early, but really got into his work late, levelling up with Countofmontecristo inside the 100m.

Asserting his authority late, he scored by just under a length with the Mark Walker trained Yulong Edition just edging out his star stablemate on the line to finish second.

His seventh win from nine starts, Mr Malek returned a new career peak, now rated 92 by Timeform.

A positive sign as judging by his effort on Saturday, you would suspect he can keep improving over further.

Whether he can turn the tables on Inferno I doubt it, however it might be a more even contest in the Guineas.

In the final event the Stephen Gray trained Heavenly Dancer made a winning return when holding them all off over 1200m.

First up since his impressive debut win, Heavenly Dancer had little issue with the step up in grade, now unbeaten from two starts.

Never easy making the rise from maiden company, but Heavenly Dancer also had to handle a step up in trip, as his debut win was over 1000m.

After jumping away with them, Heavenly Dancer settled midfield three-wide with cover, before continuing that wide run into the straight.

Although hard-ridden, Heavenly Dancer responded well and hit the front approaching the 200m.

Under siege, he fought hard to hold a wall of horses at bay, saluting by a length.

Thought there were plenty of positives to take out of that win and he looks a nice horse moving forward, stick with him.