Ready to Run Sale graduate January (NZ) (Swiss Ace) secured his first black-type success with a slick performance in Saturday’s S$110,000 Singapore 3YO Sprint (1200m).
January was offered by breeders Westbury Stud at the 2021 Ready to Run Sale, where expat New Zealand trainer Donna Logan bought him for $75,000. The super-consistent performer has now had eight starts for three wins, five placings and S$174,272 in stakes.
“I’m thrilled for the owners,” Logan said. “I bought him at the Ready to Run Sale for Falcon Stable for $75,000 in 2021, and I’m just rapt that he has won a Group race for them so early.
“He’s already paid his way. He’s been a terrific horse already. To win this race over 1200 metres, and still having the 3YO Classic (1400m, April 29) and Singapore Guineas (1600m, May 20) to come, is really exciting.”
January settled in eighth place among an 11-horse field, then made ominous progress approaching the home turn in the hands of jockey Simon Kok Wei Hoong. January was travelling better than any other runner in the race at the top of the straight, and he soon pounced and took a clear lead.
Bestseller (Dream Ahead) fought back bravely in what turned into a head-bobbing battle to the line, but January held on to a narrow advantage and scored by a head.
“I thought the distance would be too sharp for him today,” Kok admitted. “But I was able to get into a good position close to the leaders. When I got a clear run and I hadn’t even pulled the whip, I knew he was going to win. He did get a bit lost late, but the other horse (Bestseller) kept him going to the wire.
“It was a great effort by Donna to have him fresh to win over this trip. He will be better over 1400 metres and the mile.”
January became the 16th individual stakes winner for Westbury Stud stallion Swiss Ace, and his second in Singapore – joining the Stewards’ Cup (1600m) winner Mr Malek (NZ).
January is one of six winners from eight foals to race out of Musically (Belong To Me), whose half-sister Magically (Danehill) was a Group Two winner in Australia. They are both daughters of the Australian multiple Group One performer Magic Music (Loosen Up).
A full-brother to January was offered at the 2022 Ready to Run Sale and was bought by Hong Kong’s Upper Bloodstock for $255,000.
| Vendor | Westbury Stud |
| Purchaser | Donna Logan Racing Stables (Singapore) |
| Breeding | Swiss Ace – Musically |
| Sale | Lot 220, 2021 Ready to Run Sale, $75,000 |
| Bred by | G Harvey |
