SAHorseracing.com
SAHorseracing.com
LEGEND'S HALF BROTHER A WINNER IN SINGAPORE

Top Singapore trainer Patrick Shaw (pictured) predicted a bright future for Rocket Man's little half brother Ramjet, an impressive winner of the $65,000 Initiation (1400m) at Kranji tonight.

A son of Australia's champion two-year-old sire More Than Ready, Ramjet was able to hold out a determined challenge from Mr Merciful in the straight and break his maiden status in style.

As well as being a half brother to the best horse unearthed in Singapore's history, Ramjet is also a half brother to last weekend's South African Group One winner Our Giant.

Like his group one winning older siblings Ramjet is a Magic Millions graduate.

This bloke was purchased by leading South African based bloodstock agent Andy Williams, through his World Wide Bloodstock outfit, for $110,000 from last year's Magic Millions National Horses in Training Sale on the Gold Coast.

Shaw, who also trains Rocket Man, knows of the expectations of race fans for Ramjet.

"Being a (half) brother of Rocket Man I suppose you have to live up to the expectation," Shaw commented.

Ramjet has a lot going for him according to connections. Shaw is confident the bright prospect will be further suited over longer distances into the future.

"When he goes over a bit more ground I will be more confident."

"And he's still a baby."

Shaw said he was glad Ramjet was pressured for much of the race tonight - knowing it will help him develop into a classy performer.

"They made it a race which is good for him as a two-year-old. I think he enjoyed the company.

"The last time he got caught on the fence and he was a bit green."

While the future of Ramjet on the track looks bright, connections have to decide whether or not to geld the strapping performer.

"He'll only come on from this and I will have to think whether I would geld him or not because he's getting a bit heavy." Meanwhile, Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase Ribeiro made it a running double for favourite punters when he finished strongly to win the $125,000 Kranji Stakes A (2000m) in the following event.

A member of the in form Michael Freedman stable, Ribeiro showed promise in Australia when prepared by Hall of Fame brother Lee, but he's taken another leap forward since arriving in Singapore.

The $200,000 yearling purchase for Katsumi Yoshida, Ribeiro got home to beat Win In and Recast in a busy finish.

Recast, another Gold Coast graduate, almost made it a fairytale farewell when at his final start he ranged up to hit the front in the straight - only to be denied by a half length.

The rig by Thunder Gulch, bred by the Sangster family, will fly to Australia in August with his future likely to rest at a Victorian stud.

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