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Unsung Hero surprised many when he drew clear to a resounding win first-up in the $20,000 Open Maiden race over 1000m on Saturday.

Unsighted for close to 17 months since his last-start third to Surpass Natural in a Restricted Maiden race on May 31 last year when trained by New Zealand trainer Donna Logan, the five-year-old son of Spirit Of Boom never looked in doubt from barrier rise this time.

At his first start for his new handler Jerome Tan, the $32 shot sat in third out wide behind $10 favourite Mr Showman (Matthew Kellady) and Super Pins (Benny Woodworth), and was full of running when launched by apprentice jockey Iskandar Rosman turning into the straight.

The B Two Stable-owned gelding bounded past Mr Showman and Super Pins with consummate ease. He crossed the line first, three lengths clear of Lim's Bestbreaker (Simon Kok Wei Hoong), who tried as he might, was left chasing shadows after racing at the rear.

Mr Showman hung on for third place another length away. The winning time was 59.09 secs for the 1000m on the Polytrack.

Having picked up a third and a fourth in two races last year, Unsung Hero  was not without ability. He had two seconds in two trials for Tan prior to the race, but ring rustiness was still a concern to the Singaporean trainer.

"It came as quite a bit of a surprise, given that he's unraced for 17 months already," said Tan of his 14th winner this season.

"He's had a lot of issues and problems, but we slowly nursed him back to health.

"He has been working well. We knew there was a lot of pace in the race, so I discussed with Iskandar and the plan was for him to sit behind the leader.

"The owners are a bunch of good, young locals who are very supportive. They have two other horses, The Brotherhood and Sierra Conqueror (running in the last race later) with me.

"We'll see how he pulls up after this race, but for now, sprinting races are for him."

Unsung Hero's first win in three starts has taken his earnings past the $21,000 mark for the B Two Stable.