Opie Bosson had gone through a harrowing week in the lead up to the $1.35 Million Group 1 Singapore Gold Cup (2200m), with the heavyweight Kiwi rider not eating since Thursday in order to make the race weight of 54kgs.

His dedication and determination paid off handsomely, though, when the Laurie Laxon-trained Recast blasted through the centre to claim victory from Itmaybeyou (Ronnie Stewart) and Top Spin (Saimee Jumaat).

One of Laxon`s seven runners, Raul (Sam Subian) dashed to the lead at the start but immediately set about slowing down the pace when the 16-horse field turned into the back straight.

Saimee produced another gem of a ride to slot 3/1 favourite Top Spin into the box seat from barrier 17 while the other fancied runner Kim Invader (Danny Nikolic) had a nice smother in midfield.

The pace was rather muddling though, so much so that most riders seemed to be half-expecting someone else to make the first move. Jockey Matthew Kellady was the first to break the stalemate unable to hold back the hard-pulling Lemurian 1000m out, letting him roll to the front at Raul`s girth.

Itmaybeyou (Ronnie Stewart), a query over the trip and trainer Brian Dean`s first Gold Cup runner, followed him like a shadow, giving no impression the extra trip was wearing him down.

In his bright yellow colours, Mr Line (Barend Vorster) had also stealthily taken closer order, replicating the same race pattern he adopted to win last year`s edition.

The tempo shot up as the field fanned out around the home turn, with Raul caving in quickly as the swoopers descended on him.

Lemurian drew first blood but was running into the ground already. Top Spin sneaked in on the inside while Kim Invader was thundering down the middle.

Just when Itmaybeyou looked like he was about to force the decision and send Dean to seventh heaven, Recast, who had all the while bided his time came with a whirlwind finish. The seven-year-old rig found daylight between Itmaybeyou and Kim Invader, kicking clear to score a most astounding win by 1 � lengths.

"He travelled well throughout for me," Bosson commented. "He didn`t pull in the early stages, he was keen and even though the pace wasn`t too strong, he didn`t pull.

"I got up inside of Kim Invader and settled behind the leaders.

"I just had to wait for a split and when it came he just went whoosh!"

Bosson who had well documented weight problems throughout his burgeoning career took two years off and returned to race riding only at the end of 2005.

The Singapore Gold Cup was not only all part of a triumphant comeback for the former champion junior rider but his biggest win to date.

"I`d say it would be my biggest win, especially at this prize money," he said.

John Meagher who was until recently the former trainer of Recast (AUS) was one of the first on the scene to shake hands with Laxon.

"He`s done a good job with him," said Meagher. "He`s a class horse and he`s always been a sound horse."

Laxon, who has now captured his second Gold Cup (he won with Raul in 2004) was not completely taken by surprise by the win.

"He`s run some very good race sin the past before I got him.

"He led all the way last start when he finished fourth behind Lim`s Objective and that really didn`t suit his style, so I told Opie to make sure he got a sit today.

"He`s a first grade horse so I wasn`t really surprised to see him win at all."

Top Spin who has all the makings of a top level performer next season ran a brave race.

"I was very happy with his run. He had every possible chance and I even thought he could win at one point," said Saimee.

Dean who had a super weekend with his first group success in World Airlines was thrilled with the run of second-placed Itmaybeyou who was three wide for most of the way.

"He just kept giving and giving," said Dean, who looked so excited you would be forgiven to believe he had won the race.

"He`s done an enormous job to run second as he`s had only one run over 1800m in his preparation."

The final word must go to Bosson who deserved this win probably more than anyone.

"The last food I had was half an orange and I haven`t eaten since Thursday," he said.

"It`s been worth it though; it`s awesome to win a race as big as this."

STC