Distinctive Darci (NZ) Heads Karaka Quinella in Merlion Trophy

Graduates of the Karaka sales complex fought out a thrilling finish to Friday night’s S$500,000 Listed Merlion Trophy (1200m) at Kranji, with Distinctive Darci (NZ) (Darci Brahma) edging out Countofmontecristo (NZ) (Echoes of Heaven).

The $57,500 Ready to Run Sale purchase Countofmontecristo was Singapore’s champion three-year-old last season, and he looked set for another big-race triumph when he powered to the front halfway up the Kranji straight.

But the $100,000 Premier Sale recruit Distinctive Darci, from the stable of champion expat Kiwi trainer Mark Walker and ridden by Vlad Duric, came with a blistering late run through the inside to deny him by a neck.

“It was a big step up for him tonight and he’s come up with a fighting win,” said Walker, who also trained the gelding’s multiple Group 1-winning sire Darci Brahma.

“He’s a different horse at the moment, he’s really put it all together.”

Bought by Te Akau Racing, Distinctive Darci is now owned by Dato Terry Lee’s Fairdeal Stable. He has had 21 starts for nine wins, six placings and S$841,924 in prize-money – almost nine times his purchase price.

Distinctive Darci was bred by Nearco Stud Limited and is a half-brother to Kuro (NZ) (Denman) – another Karaka graduate ($170,000 at the 2013 Premier Sale) who has won eight races, five at black-type level, for more than A$720,000 in stakes.