Always Certain confirmed himself as one of the new stars of Singapore racing with a sensational last-to-first win in Sunday’s Committee’s Prize at Kranji.  He clocked 1.33.85s which bettered Intercept’s record for 1600m.

It was a much deserved victory for Always Certain who had been placed in the Singapore Guineas, 3YO Sprint, Juvenile Championship and Steward’s Cup.  He was a $60,000 purchase for owner Bernard Lee at the 2008 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

“He’s bred to be a sprinter but he has always shown that all he wants it to get over ground,” trainer Michael Freedman said.  “The Singapore Gold Cup in November might be the way to go with him now.”

“I’m just so happy to have won a feature race with this horse for Bernard.  He has been a great supporter of mine since day one when I arrived.”

Always Certain (4g Not a Single Doubt – Akarana by Akaaber) was bred by Dr Paul Cradock from a mare who won the Vanity Stakes at Flemington.  “The emphasis to me is on physical type, so when I was looking for a stallion for Akarana – Not a Single Doubt seemed a great match,” Craddock explained. 

“The mare is a big, roomy type and to me I was looking for a powerful, short coupled sprinting sire and Not a Single Doubt certainly fitted that description.”

Cradock has bred a number of quality gallopers including Lucky Secret, Hinting, Beauty School, Coincidental and Marie Madeleine and Always Certain could well graduate to be his bred graduate yet.

He keeps between 10 and 12 mares and is excited to have Always Certain’s half brother by Shamardal heading for the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale in January.  “He’s a lovely type and Shamardal is certainly doing a great job,” Craddock continued.  “There’s plenty to look forward to.”