Champion sprinter Rocket Man showed he is right on target for his trip to Dubai with a runaway victory at Kranji on Sunday.
Ridden by Barend Vorster, Rocket Man scored a commanding 5-3/4 length victory over the evergreen Capablanca (John Powell) with Noble Manor (Joao Moreira) two lengths away third.
Allowed to cruise home over the concluding stages, Rocket Man stopped the clock at 1:10.70.
Trainer Patrick Shaw said it was now all systems go for the gelding’s trip to Dubai for the $US2 million ($A1.97 million) Group One Dubai Golden Shaheen over 1200m at Meydan on March 26 and avenge his defeat in the race last year.
Of importance to Shaw was the way Rocket Man settled when Dr Lemon led him in the early stages of the race.
“I said to Barend if the circumstances permit to try and tuck in behind Dr Lemon early in the race and then let him open up once into the straight,” Shaw said.
“It was important to try and get him to settle. He did it beautifully and we know he is spot on now looking forward to Dubai.”
Meanwhile, Hong Kong ace Beauty Flash is also on track for Dubai.
Beauty Flash, a winner at his previous two outings of the Group One Hong Kong Mile and the Group One Stewards Cup, made it a hat-trick of Group One victories at Sha Tin when defying all challengers in the Queen Silver Jubilee Cup.
In doing so he put down a serious marker for his next outing, the $US5 million ($A4.93 million) Group One Dubai Duty Free.
AAP TURF
