Skydance eclipses rivals for eighth win

Rather unlucky in his last start when third in the Piala Emas Sultan Selangor over 2000m last month, Skydance Eclipse seized his chance well to win the Metro A set-weight event over 1400m at Sungei Besi here today.

SKYDANCE ECLIPSE winning the SELANGOR Race 5
SKYDANCE ECLIPSE winning the SELANGOR Race 5 Picture: Selangor Turf Club

Ridden by Rueven Ravindra, the Foxwedge gelding settled off the pace early but kept on the rails by his rider until the top of the straight.

Skydance Eclipse  was switched out behind the heels of horses and once straightened, began to open up in fine style. Pacemaker Chinese Tea  was still nicely clear at the 200m with a bunch of horses giving chase.

Skydance Eclipse broke from the pack and ranged alongside Chinese Tea at the 100m, then drew away soon after to win by 3/4 length. Elite Remarkable  flashed home to beat Chinese Tea for second.

Unplaced in four runs in Singapore, Skydance Eclipse has now picked up eight wins in 26 starts in Malaysia but has not have the best of luck in the big races thus far.

"He was caught wide in the Piala Emas Sultan Selangor and this time he had the inside run with a better draw," said Rueven. "He is a nice horse and more wins to come."

"He has really been a good horse for the stable," said trainer Frank Maynard. "He has probably been unlucky in a few of the cups but I am sure he'll get his turn."

"It was a good effort today coming back from 2000m to 1400m. I thought it was a good win and hopefully he will win a long race later in the year. I am sure he will be very competitive because he is very sound." 


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