Singapore, Kranji, 8th October 2010
Track –Polytrack
1200m Class 3
Time: 1.11.82
Prize Money $75,000
Winner: Black Ice (R. Stewart)
Placing 2^nd Arapuni (Koh TH), 3^rd Any Takers (J Powell)

AS COOL AS ICE

An Ice cool ride from jockey Ronnie Stewart saw the star galloper Black Ice return to racing after a three month spell to record a sensational win in the Class 3 1200m event under the lights at Kranji and pick up a cool $75,000 for his troubles.

Stewart rode the four-year-old back early and relaxed him just off the rail in a position the horse has been comfortably doing since arriving in Singapore with the pace of the race suited to the back markers. The Laurie Laxon trained Pacific General went to the front early setting the tempo of the race and was out with a two and a half length lead at the 600m mark with Jewel, Any Takers and Excelify all in striking positions.

On the final bend, Black Ice was well back from the front runners until Stewart asked him to deliver, flying through a narrow split between Saddle the Wind and the inside running rail to charge to the front and set his sights on the winning post. Black Ice kicked well once out in front drew away in the final 50m to go on and score an easy win with Arapuni and Any Takers filling the minor placing.

Burridge commented about the return of Black Ice; “I brought him back and though he hasn’t raced for a while I knew he would get home but he probably did it better than I thought he would.” Jockey Ronnie Stewart’s first ride on the four-year-old said after the race; “Steven told me he was a touch underdone and to ride him quiet. He cut the corners and let down very well.

Black Ice is a four-year-old gelding from the sire Mugharrell out of the Lady Migaloo mare and was purchased by Wade Burride from Magic Millions out of a trial from Cranbourne, Melbourne, Australia.