Debt Collector (NZ) Superb in Raffles Cup

Karaka graduate Debt Collector (NZ) (Thorn Park) reaffirmed his place among Singapore’s very best with a come-from-nowhere win in Sunday’s S$1 million Raffles Cup (1600m) at Kranji.

Bought for $30,000 at the 2014 Select Sale and $120,000 at the Ready to Run, Debt Collector rapidly rose to superstardom with eight wins in his first 12 starts and the title of 2016 Horse of the Year.

His form dipped following an unsuccessful trip to Dubai in March of last year, but Sunday’s flying finish was a reminder that class is permanent.

Ridden by Michael Rodd, the six-year-old gelding dropped to the tail of the 13-horse field before producing a withering run down the straight to catch Circuit Land (Mizzen Mast) by a nose.

“This is amazing, it was a phenomenal win,” trainer Cliff Brown said.

“Of course, I was concerned when he was so far back. We always have doubts, especially with the way this horse runs, but he was just fantastic in the straight.”

Debt Collector has now had 20 starts for nine wins, four placings and more than S$2.2 million in prize-money – more than 20 times his Ready to Run Sale purchase price.

This was his second Raffles Cup win, to go with victories in the Kranji Mile (1600m), Singapore Guineas (1600m), Singapore 3YO Classic (1400m) and Jumbo Jet Trophy (1400m).

“I can’t believe what this horse has done today after his spell, it feels like a dream,” Rodd said.

“After he came out of the barriers, he got back and had a trouble-free trip. He still can’t keep up with the early speed, but that flying finish is even stronger now. I rode him like he was the best horse in the field.”

The 2018 Ready to Run Sale will be held at Karaka on 21 and 22 November, with Breeze Ups taking place at Te Rapa on 15 and 16 October.