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Newcomer Count Me In made a sterling winning debut in the $75,000 War Affair 2015 Stakes, a Restricted Maiden Division 1 race over 1200m on Sunday.
While the Showcasing two-year-old had not shown anything earth shattering at his two barrier trials, trainer David Kok was quietly confident about a forward showing from the colt raced by a new Mauritian owner, Stephen Tin of Blue Ocean Stable.
The construction businessman actually had his Kranji baptism of fire with another debutant in Tin's Machine carrying his new silks showcasing the red-blue-yellow-and-green colours of the Mauritian flag two races earlier, but didn't enjoy the same luck, though. Also prepared by Kok, the Roc De Cambes two-year-old beat one home.
But the Singaporean handler revealed later on that, between the two Tin-owned horses, he had all along leant towards Count Me In.
"I was quite confident he would run well first-up. He's been working very well," said Kok.
"I bought him and Tin's Machine at the New Zealand two-year-old breeze-ups last year. Benny Woodworth was the one who introduced me to a Mauritius businessman he used to ride for when he rode there, Stephen Tin.
"Stephen was keen to own horses in Singapore, and he bought both. I'm glad Count Me In won for him at his very first day as an owner here."
Mr Tin was unfortunately not on hand to toast to the fairytale start, but could watch the race 'live' on the Indian Ocean island.
"The first horse (Tin's Machine) probably needed the run, but when I saw Count Me In following nicely in second place, my heart was beating fast," said Mr Tin.
"It was exciting to see him tackle the leader upon straightening and win a nice race on debut. Count Me In is named after a Mauritian racehorse I liked a lot.
"Well done to David, and thanks to Benny for recommending me to him. He's a good trainer.
"The prizemoney in Singapore is one of the best in the world. That Restricted Maiden race alone is worth $75,000, which is a lot more than the races are worth here."
Richer spoils may already be in the offing with Kok having already pencilled in a much loftier target in three weeks' time on July 19 – the fifth and last Leg of the annual Singapore Golden Horseshoe series, the Group 2 Aushorse Golden Horseshoe (1200m), which carries a total purse of $250,000.
"He will improve from that run and he will definitely head towards the final Leg of the 2YO series," said Kok.
"The horse showed speed in his work, and that's why I put (Mohd) Zaki on as he's good with frontrunners.
"Even if (Mark) Walker's horse (Try Mak Mak) was faster, my horse settled into second spot easily and was always travelling very well.
"At the top of the straight, I could see Zaki still had a lapful of horse. I was very confident he would win then."
Zaki, who was at his first Singapore win after enduring a long time on the sidelines because of work permit issues, was delighted he had finally opened his account right at the halfway mark in the season. In contrast, last year, the Malaysian rider scored right off the bat on New Year's Day (My Gold) and already had six winners under the belt by June 30 before ending the season on a total haul of 13 winners.
"It's been a tough season this year. I'm glad I finally got a win," said the Kelantan-born jockey.
"David rang me for the ride (on Count Me In) as it was a lightweight ride (49.5kgs). The horse showed speed and he told me to lead or be up on the pace.
"The other horse was faster, and I was quite happy to sit in second place. He was always on the bit and I had plenty of horse at the top of the straight, and when I asked him to go, he gave a nice turn of foot.
"A big thank you to David and the owner for giving me such a good ride, and the Singapore Turf Club for giving me another licence after the problem with the work permit.
"I'd also like to thank my family for their support and my new fiancée Nur Aiya Najwa, who is my new inspiration in my life and career."
