Jupiter Stable unearthed another potential star when The Cardinal won the Initiation Stakes (1100m) in Singapore on Friday night.

Jupiter owner Tang Weng Fei also races Better Than Ever who has won 15 of his 21 starts.  He is trained by Laurie Laxon and defended his G1 Kranji Mile crown earlier this month.  

The Cardinal (4g Exceed And Excel – Heavenly Note by St Jude) is prepared by Mark Walker and the former Kiwi conditioner was a relieved man after the gelding scored at his second start.

“They’re a good set of colours,” Walker said.  “He’s the first horse that I’ve had for them and I was desperate for a good showing.  He finished last on debut but luckily he’s turned it around.”

The winner was bred by Alma Vale Stud owner Ken Turner and is a half-brother to Australian winners by King’s Theatre, Our Maizcay and Lion Hunter (2).

Turner sent their dam Heavenly Note out of Queensland for the first time to be served by Exceed and Excel.  The colt was catalogued for the 2009 Gold Coast Magic Millions but didn’t make a $70,000 reserve.

Turner did accept a $600 bid for Heavenly Note at this year’s Magic Millions National Sale.

Exceed And Excel (Danehill) has sired 417 individual winners at a 62% strike-rate.  He stands at Darley for a $66,000 (inc gst) service fee.