A superstar in the making was confirmed on Friday when Better Than Ever, a gelded son of French Deputy, ran away with the Singapore Guineas (SIN-G1) like a marvelous champion, winning by almost five lengths under a near stranglehold by top Singaporean rider Saimee Jumaat.
The betting board told the story immediately as odds were posted for the night’s seventh race – with Better Than Ever installed at the minimum 1-5, or $6 while the rest of the ten horse field never wavered beyond 200-1, or $999.
Being a gelding, the runs beyond here are up for grabs, but Better Than Ever is by French Deputy out of the Unbridled’s Song mare, Songfest. The easy victory over the 1,600 meters in 1:34.27 was the ninth in nine tries for Better Than Ever, who does indeed seem to improve each time out. Don’t let looks fool you, either – the horse was completely washed-out but in a powerful manner. Upon returning to the winner’s enclosure, trainer Laurie Laxon seemed incredulous his charge’s ability to perform without breathing hard in the least.
While the next races may not be officially scheduled, one can hope, and figure, the world would love to get their eyes on this powerful, and scarily-improving gelding.