Infantry (NZ) Completes Singapore Derby-Kranji Mile Double

With an irresistible finishing burst to win Sunday’s S$700,000 Panasonic Kranji Mile (1600m) at Kranji, low-priced Karaka weanling purchase Infantry (NZ) (Tavistock) became the first horse since 2008 to complete the Singapore Derby-Kranji Mile double.

Making his first start since his Singapore Derby (2000m) triumph in July, Infantry raced in midfield before wearing down the gallant front-runner Countofmontecristo (NZ) (Echoes of Heaven) and winning by half a length.

“This horse has such a big heart,” trainer Alwin Tan said. “Back on the 1600 metres after the Derby, I put the blinkers back on to sharpen him up a little. We didn’t want to force him, we didn’t want him to go too hard to the front and it’s paid off.

“He’ll definitely run in the Raffles Cup (1800m on October 22), and if he keeps going well we will look at the Triple Crown (Singapore Gold Cup over 2200m on November 12).”

No horse has ever completed a clean sweep of Singapore’s Triple Crown series.

A full-brother to the stakes-placed stayer Night Nurse (NZ) (Tavistock), Infantry was bred by Cambridge Stud’s Sir Patrick and Lady Hogan. He was offered by Cambridge Stud at the 2013 National Weanling, Broodmare & Mixed Bloodstock Sale, where he was bought by Ms A Rutten for $7,000.

Infantry is owned by the Kajorn Petch Racing No. 2 Stable. He has now had 21 starts for nine wins, eight placings and more than S$1.6 million in prizemoney.