Pacific Vampire gets 1st Malaysia win
KUALA LUMPUR - Pacific Vampire got on the board in Malaysia at his fifth start after he led all the way in the RM62,000 (S$18,000) Supreme A sprint (1,200m) at Sungai Besi on April 20.
Since transferring to Malaysia after Singapore racing came to a halt in October 2024, the Impending five-year-old has shown his customary speed to lead in his races. But in four previous runs, he failed to hold on to his advantage and faded towards the end.
The Jason Ong-trained Australian gelding weakened in the run home to finish down the field on debut, but improved to run third to Noah Khan in a Supreme A event (1,200m) on Feb 23.
In the Group 1 Tunku Gold Cup (1,200m), Pacific Vampire again led his rivals on a merry chase but the early effort took its toll, and he only managed 11th behind Noah Khan.
At his last start on April 6, Pacific Vampire ran sixth to Bransom in a 1,020m dash.
All eyes were on Tunku Gold Cup winner Noah Khan on April 20, but there was no catching Pacific Vampire, who was ridden by Carlos Henrique for the first time.
Pacific Vampire ($31) broke away to lead from Mr Black Back (Nuqman Rozi) while Noah Khan (Andre da Silva) sat in a handy fourth position early.
A four-time winner in Singapore, Pacific Vampire led into the straight with Mr Black Back on his heels. Noah Khan had also moved up to third and was waiting for his chance to pounce.
But shortly after, Pacific Vampire began to pull away from Mr Black Back and extended to a four-length lead at the 200m. He eventually coasted home by 2¼ lengths ahead of Noah Khan. Mr Black Back held on for third, albeit another 4¼ lengths away.
“Pacific Vampire proved today he can come back and return to good form,” said Henrique of his second winner on April 27.
“I was very confident. I galloped him every day. He felt good and did an amazing job today.”
The Brazilian hoop earlier piloted longshot Campionessa ($299) to claim the RM62,000 Restricted Maiden race (1,200m) for Simon Dunderdale.
Singaporean trainer Ong also bagged a double with Behind Player ($96) taking out the Class 5B opener (1,500m).
French jockey Marc Lerner was supposed to ride in his first meeting since relocating from New Zealand to his new Sungai Besi base, but became indisposed (dehydration) and was stood down.
Of his six bookings, only one won – the Jerome Tan-trained Baby Twins ($32) who got up by half a length on the line in the RM49,000 Class 4A race (1,300m) with Shafiq Rizuan the lucky recipient of the winning pick-up ride.
SELANGOR TURF CLUB/TURFONLINE
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