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A ride full of determination by Benny Woodworth took a big share of the credit in Ironclad’s last-stride win in the $50,000 Class 4 Division 2 race over 1400m on Saturday.
Showing no signs of letting up hard up against the rails, bold frontrunner Hurrian (Noh Senari) looked home and hosed at the 200m.
The only horse who still had a chance of toppling him was Ironclad. The son of Akeed Mofeed had been given a perfect copybook ride by Woodworth - capitalise on barrier No 1, bide their time in the box-seat before peeling out for their challenge from the 400m.
But Hurrian, who was on a quick back-up following his debut win last Friday, was digging his heels in despite having had Field Marshal (Ryan Munger) matching motors with him from the middle stages of the race.
Ironclad made up ground, but the challenge did not look stinging enough to thwart the gamble that trainer Jason Lim and assistant-trainer Richard Lim took in running Hurrian for the second consecutive week.
Sadly for the two Lim's, the last 50m proved to be one bridge too far for Hurrian. The strides shortened up, the showdown could still go either way.
Sensing the leader was capitulating, Woodworth went into overdrive. Ironclad kept whacking away to eventually deny Hurrian by a short head in the shadows of the post.
As a depiction of the clear superiority of the duelling pair, Afalonhro (John Powell), who is no slouch in Class 4 company, finished third a gap of more than four lengths astern. The winning time was 1min 22.75secs for the 1400m on the Long Course.
"I honestly didn't think I could catch Noh's horse (Hurrian)," said Woodworth.
"I had the perfect run behind the lead, he was travelling relaxed all the way through, but I was told to wait before pushing the button as it was the Long Course.
"The leader didn't stop, and I thought I would have to settle for second, but my horse never gave up and got up at the last stride."
Winning trainer Steven Burridge said marble one was a major contributing factor to Ironclad's second win at Kranji.
"The barrier helped. Last time, he was left in front and was caught late," said the Australian trainer who was picking up where he left off as his only runner the night before won, Lim's Ray.
"Richard's horse (Hurrian) is a nice horse, but he was second-up, and my horse was rock-hard fit, had a good ride and a good barrier.
"He's had five runs in just over two months, and has done a great job to win two races. He may be ready to go for a let-up, but let's see how he pulls up first."
Raced by the CK Stable, Ironclad has seen his stakes account double to around $55,000 with that second success.
