Makkura (NZ) Shines in Gold Trophy

Last night’s S$200,000 Spg-3 Paititi Gold Trophy (1200m) saw Makkura (NZ) race away to a decisive two-length victory for champion Singapore trainer Laurie Laxon.

It was a well-deserved first stakes win for the consistent six-year-old mare. She had not been out of the first three placings in her last six runs, including two victories.

Makkura wins the Spg-3 Paititi Gold Trophy. Image Courtesy of STC

The daughter of Falkirk had the drop on the leaders, sitting third for most of the journey behind a fast pace. As the field entered the home straight apprentice jockey, Saifudin Ismail, peeled her off the leader’s heels to challenge. She showed a strong turn of foot to draw away from the field to score a decisive victory by 1.8 lengths.

She was able to beat a handy field that included Mr Big (in second), who was coming off Group 1 sprints at his last two assignments, and another NZB graduate Speedy Cat (NZ), who also had been racing at the elite level, was third.

Makkura is trained in Singapore by ex-pat Kiwi Laurie Laxon, who last night drew within one win of a magical 1000 winners in Singapore. Laxon was full of praise for the versatile Makkura.

“She won pretty good, she ran a quick time 1.08,” commented Laxon

 “I’ve only had her for a short time and I have won three races with her,

“She will go to a 1400m race in two or three weeks.”

The race, run at Kranji, was clocked at an impressive 1.08.85. The win brings Makkura’s total prizemoney earnings beyond the S$500,000 mark.

Makkura won her first raceday start, when trained in New Zealand by Stephen Crutchley, at Awapuni. She is still part-owned by Crutchely along with the Toast Trust No. 27 Syndicate.

Makkura is a Karaka 2009 graduate, coming through the Festival Sale. She was brought by Crutchley from Poseidon Bloodstock for $12,000. She was bred by S K K Goh, Mrs J P & L D Wallace.

Makkura is out of Electric Dream, who is by the renowned broodmare sire Centaine. She is from the family of Group 1 Railway Handicap winner and sire Westminster.

Falkirk had a successful night in Singapore, scoring a double with Just for J (ex. Dubai Century) winning earlier on the programme.

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