Singapore star Better Than Ever began his all important autumn campaign in style with a strong victory in the G3 Three Rings Trophy (1400m) at Kranji on Sunday night.  

Better Than Ever (5g French Deputy – Songfest by Unbridled’s Song) gave his legion of fans a scare when he was headed in the straight, however, he found another gear and raced away to win eased down by two lengths.  “He looked a bit flat-footed but fought back well,” trainer Laurie Laxon said.  “He picked himself off the canvas like a true champion.”

Better Than Ever has now won 12 of his 13 starts for owner Tang Weng Fei after being purchased for $80,000 from Blandford Lodge at the 2008 Karaka Premier Sale.  He is by a former Arrowfield shuttler and his Darci Brahma half-brother failed to reach a $150,000 reserve at the 2011 NZB Premier yearling sale at Karaka.

Better Than Ever will have his final lead-up for a trip to Dubai in the G3 Polytrack Mile at Kranji on March 13.  His Gulf goal is the G1 Dubai Duty Free at Meydan on March 26.