On the same program as Aranda’s mighty win, Kranji staged the first feature race of the season – the S$200,000 Singapore 3YO Sprint-G3 over 1200m. And just to keep nice and close to home, the winner – Rocket Man – was bred and sold by Tyreel Stud.

Owned by Dean Fleming, the brother of Eliza Park principal, Lee, Tyreel is a name synonymous with success throughout South East Asia and the promising Rocket Man has added yet another trophy to the cabinet.

Running the slick time of 1:09.6 and leading throughout, Rocket Man kept his unbeaten record intact and scored by close to five lengths.

Trained by Patrick Shaw, the son of Viscount will now likely be aimed at the prestigious S$1 million KrisFlyer International Sprint-G3 in May.

This is the same race that threw immense spotlight on Australian-bred horses last year when Takeover Target and Magnus produced a ding-dong battle at Kranji before campaigning at Royal Ascot.

Rocket Man was bred by Tyreel Stud as a result of sending McGinty mare, Macrosa, to Cox Plate winner Viscount in 2004.

Typical of Tyreel stock, Rocket Man’s pedigree is jam packed with black type: Macrosa won five races including the AJC Toy Show Quality-LR and is a half sister to dual Group One winner Ebony Grosve.

With five winners to her name, Macrosa has also produced the South African Group One winner Our Giant and Sydney winner Jerusha.

Rocket Man was sold by Tyreel at the 2007 Magic Millions Gold Coast National Yearling Sale and was exported to Singapore in April last year.

Jockey Robbie Fradd heaped praise upon the 3YO following the win, telling Craig Brennan: “I’ve ridden some good horses in my time, but he would have to be right up there”.