Clint (NZ) displayed great determination to outgun his rivals in the G1 Singapore Derby (2000m) at Kranji on Sunday.  The consistent gelding gave trainer Cliff Brown his first Group win since commencing training in Singapore three years ago.  

Clint (4g Casual Lies – Torch by Deputy Governor) was ridden a masterful race by Johnny Powell.  He stalked Better Than Ever (French Deputy) before running away to post a two length victory.  “I knew the horse was fit and the 2000m would be ideal for him,” Brown said.  “He’s been pretty much bombproof throughout his time with us.”

The win gave Powell his second victory in the race having won aboard NZ bred gelding Hello and Goodbye (Danzalion) for Bruce Marsh.

“Cliff has been a great supporter of mine and he gets his horses fit,” Powell said.  “I got a great run through the race and he quickened up coming around the turn.  I had Better Than Ever in my sights and knew something would have to come hard to run us down”.

A homebred for C K Phua, Clint is the 13th stakes winner for Casual Lies and descends from the same family as NZ bred Hong Kong Derby winner Holy Grail (Deputy Governor).