The talented four year-old, Emerald Hill continued his unbeaten run and easily completed a hat-trick of victories by storming home in the Progress over 1000m.
Despite an edgy entry into the gates, Emerald Hill went out to the front from barrier number 1 and was never headed, winning in a timing of 58.83s.
Emerald Hill, picture Singapore Turf Club
“Before the start he was playing around and jumping everywhere. He even did that in the barrier but luckily he jumped really well so I wasn’t too worried,” said Saifudin who has ridden him in all three victories.
“From the 600m when the second horse came up to me, I didn’t get too worried because I knew he’d sprint really well. He has a very good turn-of-foot."
“I think he’s better settled now. He was keen and always looked to run but is settling much better now and is more relaxed."
“In his earlier two runs he really pulled off my arms. Tonight, when I asked him, he just gave me everything,” said a jubilant Saifudin.
For trainer John O’Hara, who couldn’t be faulted if he was already celebrating the evening, Emerald Hill provided him with his second winner of the night.
Emerald Hill is blessed with tremendous early speed and out of the gates, Precisely, who also is endowed with sprinting speed, had no option but to follow in Emerald Hill’s slipstream.
For a moment, up the straight, when the field straightened up, Precisely moved alongside Emerald Hill and it looked like he was not just going to trouble the favourite, but possibly upset him too.
But the son of Sharp Humour is demonstrating that he is a special sprinter and in a matter of about 50m kicked away and more or less maintained that margin under ‘hands and heels’ urgings from Saifudin.
With a lion’s share of today’s race stake added to his account, Emerald Hill is shaping up as a very exciting prospect of Singapore racing.