Fradd: Rocket Man can Hit the Right Note

DUBAI — It will come as a surprise if Elton John doesn’t belt out one of his most popular numbers, Rocket Man, when he gallops through his extensive back catalogue of hits after the Dubai World Cup meeting on Saturday night – particularly if the Singaporean horse of the same name wins the Dubai Golden Shaheen.

Published: Thu 25 Mar 2010, 12:45 AM

Last updated: Mon 6 Apr 2015, 5:25 AM

Rocket Man is the best horse in years to emerge from the Lion City and should he win lion’s share of the US$2 million purse, it will go down as a landmark achievement for Singapore racing.

On the form book, the four-year-old Australian-bred son of Viscount is clearly the horse to beat with an international rating of 121; the next highest-rated are his Hong Kong rival One World and British raider Regal Parade, both on a mark of 118.

Rocket Man established his lofty current assessment when a close second to triple world champion Sacred Kingdom in the KrisFlyer International Sprint in Singapore last May, the only time he has tasted defeat from nine career starts.

Shortly afterwards, he sustained a condylar fracture to the off-side cannon bone requiring screws inserted, but any fears for his on-track prowess were subsequently blown away on his comeback after a nine-month absence.

“He was awesome, he felt as good as new and though he didn’t beat a strong field he did it by over four lengths giving weight away all around - and he was only three-quarters fit,” recalls jockey Robbie Fradd.

“You never want horses to be out for so long with an injury but, if anything, that layoff might have been a blessing in disguise. He’s still only a four-year-old and still to reach his peak, and he’s come back more muscled and physically developed.”

Trainer Patrick Shaw, like Fradd, another South African, concurs, adding: “He really has matured well and it’s not unusual for horses to return stronger from that type of injury and I’m hoping he fits that category.”

Since his comeback win, Rocket Man has come through two further barrier trials at home in Kranji with flying colours to enhance his fitness for the big night and his draw in barrier six holds no fears for Fradd.

“He likes to race on the pace, but I expect the Japanese horse Laurel Guerreiro will lead and I’ll want to take a sit just off him. He’s in great form, he has travelled over here really well and he’s a serious horse with a serious chance.”

Fradd has unfinished business in Dubai. In 2002 he controversially ran second on the Hong Kong superstar Fairy King Prawn in the Dubai Duty Free, sponsored by Dubai Duty Free – resulting in an acrimonious split with the latter’s trainer Ivan Allan - and is itching to set the record straight.