Champion jockey Joao Moreira wasted little time getting back into the winner’s circle following Friday night’s five-timer.
Riding the $9 favourite Goodpack in the Trigger Express 2007 Stakes over 1400m, Moreira guided the Leslie Khoo-trained gelding to a two-and-a-half length victory over Good Buddy (Stephen Baster) with Predictable (Matt Kellady) a length away third.
The victory was his 123rd victory for the year and puts him 79 wins clear of Danny Beasley in second place.
Goodpack heads for an easy win for leading jockey Joao Moreira on Sunday, picture Singapore Turf Club
Moreira has had two rides on Goodpack registering two wins from the gelding’s four career starts. He partnered the three-year-old when successful in a Restricted Maiden over 1200m on June 22.
“Leslie asked me to ride this horse for him about two months ago and right from that day I thought the horse had a lot of potential,” said Moreira.
“I thought the horse had the potential then to go to a higher grade and I think he can keep working up even higher after today.
“He made it look easy today and while I’m not sure whether he can make it to be a Group winner he is certainly capable of winning far better races.
“Riding good horses makes it easy for jockeys and this horse is a good horse.”
Moreira said the race panned out perfectly for him after drawing barrier one.
“I had a lovely run on the fence and came off it just on turning for home,” said Moreira.
“He travelled so easily in the race and he quickened up very well.
“Leslie has been a good supporter of mine and he had this horse very well in condition for today’s race and I have to thank him for putting me on this horse.”
Goodpack is an Australian-bred three-year-old by Elvstroem from the Brocco mare Farinocco and from his four starts – which also includes two second placings – and has accumulated around $85,000 for the Empress Wu Stable.