Super Easy (NZ) Victory in Patron's Bowl

Singapore’s reigning Horse of the Year Super Easy (NZ) (Darci Brahma x Parfore) made an emphatic return to the winner’s circle last night at Kranji taking out the S$500,000 Sgp-1 Patron’s Bowl (1600m), the second leg of the Singapore Four-Year-Old Challenge.

The Michael Freedman trained four-year-old went unbeaten in 12 starts in 2011 and 2012, including all three legs of Singapore’s 3YO Triple Crown however in his most recent starts he has been twice defeated by fellow kiwi and Karaka graduate Speedy Cat (NZ), first-up in the Group 3 Merlion Trophy (1200m) and then in the first Leg of the Singapore Four-Year-Old Challenge, the Stewards’ Cup (1400m).

Freedman felt the Stewards’ Cup run could have yielded better results had he drawn a more inside gate and his faith in the Darci Brahma entire has never waned.

This confidence was evident in the ride by Singapore’s champion jockey Joao Moreira, who has established a wonderful record on Super Easy, riding him to all 14 of his Singapore victories.

Moreira allowed Super Easy to travel midfield with plenty of cover, content to wait it out before taking him to the outside and storming past his rivals to hit the front 200 metres out.

He held on to win by three-quarters-of-a-length from longshot City Lad (Soo Khoon Beng), who made a late attack. El Milagro took third another neck away with Goodpack holding on for fourth another neck away.

Super Easy (NZ) on his way to victory in the Patron's Bowl.  Image courtesy of the STC.

“He was probably off his game in the KrisFlyer and went a bit flat out at his last run and to line up at the top level and win just goes to show what a great horse he is,” Commented Freedman

“He’s won two Group 1 races this prep. I wished every horse in my yard could do that.

“I’ll see how he pulls up before deciding if we press on to the Derby. Whether he can stay or not I’m not sure, but I can tell you that whenever good horses are tested over more ground, they can beat the other horses on class sometimes.”“Joao rode him to perfection in midfield. He was not pressured and he finished off very well.

Jockey Moreira was thrilled with the win on his favourite horse.

“He put himself in a good spot from the start and was always travelling on the bridle for me. In the straight, he gave me 100% and I’m so glad he’s won another big race.”“This horse is special to my heart. He has been so good to me and has now given me my second Group 1 win this year.

Super Easy is now looking to contest the $1.15 million Group 1 Emirates Singapore Derby (2000m), the last Leg of the Singapore Four-Year-Old Challenge on 14 July, although he has never raced beyond 1600m.

Super Easy is raced by the Joy N Happiness Stable and has now won 14 of his 20 starts in Singapore and Hong Kong for over S$2.1 million in stakes.

Bred by Michael Ryan, Super Easy was offered by Esker Lodge at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2010 Karaka Premier Sale where he was purchased by Blue Sky Thoroughbreds for $140,000.