The successful combination of trainer Laurie Laxon and jockey Joao Moreira were at it again when they teamed together with Double Star in the $65,000 Initiation Stakes over 1200m on the Polytrack on Sunday.
Starting as the $9 favourite, Double Star scored a three-and-three-quarter length victory over Lord Roberto (Stephen Baster) with Rough Day (Jacky Low) three-quarters-of-a-length away third.
Both Laxon and Moreira currently head the tables in their respective premiership races and have been a successful combination throughout the year.
Joao Moreira drives Double Star to a resounding first-up victory, picture Singapore Turf Club.
Double Star’s victory was the 29th time they have teamed for success in 2012.
Laxon has now visited the winner’s circle on 46 occasions for the year while Moreira now has 129 victories in 2012.
Double Star was having his first start on Sunday and went into the race with two trials under the belt.
A son of Ishiguru, Double Star had trialled well in New Zealand prior to coming to Singapore.
“A bloke by the name of Jeff Allan from New Zealand rang me after the horse had won a trial and said he might be a nice horse for Singapore,” said Laxon.
“I’ve had a few dealings with him over the years and know him quite well so I thought the horse would be worth taking the risk with.
“He hasn’t been up here all that long so he’s done a good job to get to where he is already.
“Joao was quite impressed with the win and told me he should win some more races up here.”
Moreira had Double Star positioned in third place behind Wilkinson (Ivaldo Santana) and Spot On (Soo Khoon Beng) before angling into the clear on straightening for home.
He chased gamely to wear down Wilkinson by the 200m before drawing clear for a comfortable win.
“He showed us potential at the barrier trials and I knew that he would run well on raceday,” said Moreira.
“He travelled well to the turn and when I got clear straightening for home I gave him one around the backside and he gave me a really strong kick.
“I then just had to show him the whip without hitting him and he responded very well.”
Double Star is a New Zealand bred four-year-old from the Star Way mare India Star and is raced by Laxon’s Silver Fern Racing.