International Kiwi Success in Malaysia

Kiwi galloper Balotelli (NZ) (My Halo) captured his first stakes victory in the Listed Rgt.350,000 Tunku Gold Cup (1200m) at Selangor Turf Club last night.

Trained by Ooi Chin Chin, Balotelli has started in 12 races with a record of five wins and five seconds. His last two starts saw him finish second over 1700m and 1100m. Two of his starts have been at stakes level where he ran second and fifth, most recently.

Beginning from barrier 5 for rider S Salee, Balotelli enjoyed an economical trip just behind the leaders, with the race run at a fast tempo. In the home straight, Balotelli surged to the front inside the 100m and held on bravely to win by a long neck in quick time of 1.09 minutes. Pisces Star (Court Command) finished strongly into second with Black And White (Mutawaajid) in third.

The four-year-old gelding has now earned M$565,807 for owner Chew Siew Ean.

Balotelli was purchased at the 2012 Ready to Run Sale of 2YOs by Mr Ooi Tang Beng & Mrs Chew Siew Ean for $40,000 from Esker Lodge.

Bred by Alan Jones & Edwina Morris, Balotelli is out of winning dam Step We Gaily (Danske). He is a full-brother to Dragon Commander (My Halo), a winner in Singapore. Granddam Grace The Bride (Personal Escort) is a half-sister to Hurrah (Bahhare), a multiple stakes winner including winning the Group 1 Captain Cook Stakes, and a half-brother to Carlisle Bay – Best Gift (H.K.) (Bahhare), winner of the HK-3 Sha Tin Trophy and second placing in the Group 1 Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth ll Cup.