Five From Five for Latest Ready to Run Star Countofmontecristo (NZ)

Undefeated Ready to Run Sale graduate Countofmontecristo (NZ) (Echoes Of Heaven) made it five out of five when he captured the second leg of Singapore’s Three-Year-Old Challenge, the S$350,000 Listed Singapore Three-Year-Old Classic (1400m) at Kranji on Friday.

The first stakes winner for Linwood Park stallion Echoes Of Heaven, Countofmontecristo had already made a big impression with his first four wins including the first leg of the Three-Year-Old Challenge, the S$250,000 Listed Singapore Three-Year-Old Sprint (1200m) in late March.

Sunday’s Classic was the exciting three-year-old’s toughest test to date, but he passed it with flying colours.

Partnered once again by his regular rider Glen Boss, Countofmontecristo raced close to the pace before shooting away to a two-length lead at the top of the straight. He was potentially vulnerable to late challengers, but he fought strongly to the line to win by half a length.

“I thought today would be his biggest test, but this horse has answered in the best possible way every time we step him up,” trainer Michael Clements said.

“We knew he was looking for more ground, but it was his first time going from six furlongs to seven furlongs. It’s always a query, even if pedigree-wise, we always thought he would go further.

“It’s onwards and upwards to the Guineas now.”

The S$500,000 Singapore Guineas (1600m), the third leg of the Three-Year-Old Challenge, will be run on May 14.

Countofmontecristo’s perfect five-from-five career has so far netted his owner Joe Singh more than S$400,000 in prize-money, plus a S$50,000 bonus for winning the first two legs of the series. That equates to more than 10 times his purchase price of $57,500 at the 2015 Ready to Run Sale at Karaka.

Countofmontecristo was bred by Heather, Peter and Tom Crofskey, and was offered by Kiltannon Stables at the Ready to Run Sale. He was bought by Vermair Racing.