The script went to order as Singapore’s champion three-year-old Better Than Ever stretched his unbeaten run to nine in scoring a soft victory in the Group 1 $500,000 Singapore Guineas over 1600m on Friday night.

In winning the Guineas, Better Than Ever picked up a $150,000 bonus for connections in winning the three legs of the Singapore Three-year-Old Challenge.

Better Than Ever was the heavily supported favourite returning the minimum dividend of $6 for a $5 investment. To such an extent was he supported that the second favourite, Zac Missile, went off at $1396, odds of almost 280/1.

A look of concentration. Saimee Jumaat guides Better Than Ever to victory in the Group 1 Singapore Guineas.

And punters didn’t have any cause for concern. Ridden by Saimee Jumaat, Better Than Ever scored by four-and-a-quarter lengths over Always Certain (Danny Beasley) with Zac Missile (Robbie Fradd) a length away third.

Better Than Ever ran the 1600m journey on the long course in the time of 1min 34.23 secs, just 0.9 secs outside of Jolie’s Shinju’s course record.

Instead of the normal loud cheering, there was the more reserved clapping as Better Than Ever raced away from his rivals in the last 200m.

And the gelding returned to song “simply the best” a tag that sits easily with the unbeaten three-year-old.

Better Than Ever assumed controlled of the race and it appeared the gelding wanted to head on to the short course before Saimee was able to correct him.

Saimee also mentioned that Better Than Ever was stargazing in the straight, looking at the lights of the grandstand.

“I think if I sat down and really thought about, I doubt that he has raced under lights all that often,” said Saimee.

“There was a lot going on in the parade ring before the race but he handled it very well. He always sweats up before his races and he was no worse tonight.”

Saimee added that the sky’s the limit for Better Than Ever and said the gelding can handle any distance.

“He’s bred to stay and he’s that relaxed that I have no doubt that he will get 2000m,” said Saimee. “He lengthened beautifully for me tonight and he covers the ground easily.”

Saimee has yet to fully extend Better Than Ever in his races and he doesn’t know how much the gelding has left under the saddle, but he is leaving it there for the day when its needed.

“I don’t know what he’s got under there,” said Saimee. “I’ve only ever given him one tap before and he raced away, but that was only because he was going for a break.

“Maybe one day I’ll find out how much is there. It will be good to find out.”

Owner Tang Weng Fei was a relieved man after Better Than Ever crossed the line. He said he had a stomach full of butterflies before the race.

“There was a lot of hype before the race and I was very nervous,” said Tang. “It was the first time the horse was racing at 1600m.

“The way he won, it was impressive. Hopefully we will come back here this time next year and be running in the Singapore Airlines International Cup.

“Hopefully we will be able to do Singapore proud.”

The winning team show off the Singapore Guineas silverware.

Trainer Laurie Laxon said he didn’t have any concerns during the race and added the gelding would now head for a break and be aimed at the Group 2 $300,000 Chairman’s Trophy over 1800m at the end of July.

Laxon has always held Better Than Ever in the highest regard but is guarded in declaring the gelding the best horse he has trained.

“He would have to be right up there with the best I have had but he’s still racing against three-year-olds and is still to prove himself against the best older horses here,” said Laxon.

“But he’s as good as there is at the moment and he is very exciting.”

Laxon said he would not be tempted to travel with Better Than Ever in the short-term and said there were still plenty of opportunities in Singapore for the gelding.

‘I’m happy to stay here for the time being with him,” said Laxon. “There are still a lot more races here for him.

“May be one day we will travel, but the grass is not always greener elsewhere.”

In maintaining his unbeaten streak, Better Than Ever, with the addition of the $150,000 bonus, has now topped the $1 million mark in prizemoney for the Jupiter Stable.