The 2012 KrisFlyer International Sprint was a superb example of racing in Singapore. It was run after a series of events which could have deterred some organisers less experienced than the excellent Singapore Turf Club.

2011 KrisFlyer International Sprint hero and 2012 favourite Rocket Man had been scratched earlier in the week. On the night of the race itself there was considerable rain and even thunder near Kranji in the lead up to the two big races.

The 2011 KrisFlyer International Sprint winner was Ato, ridden by South African jockey Barend Vorster, who won at a big price by one and a half lengths over Mr Big ridden by Stephen Baster, with English challenger Secret Asset ridden by George Baker a length and a quarter back in third.

Ato returned $85 to a $5 stake ie 16-1. He had been 50-1 on the NSW TAB in Australia in the days leading up to the race.

The odds on favourite Krypton Factor, who had defeated Rocket Man in the Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen in March, finished fifth ridden by Kieren Fallon.

The start to the race was delayed when Yin Xin burst through the front of the stalls before the off but returned and was able to race.

In the race itself, Yin Xin took on the running with Mr Big, Ato and Captain Obvious.
Before the turn off the back straight, Better Be The One came up to sit three wide outside the leaders but then faded.

Turning for home, Mr Big took over on the rail but Ato came to the outside and the pair settled down to stage their battle over the final 200m.

“Ato clearly loved the conditions, as did Mr Big and the only other contender on the day was Secret Asset. Favourite Krypton Factor was a big disappointment and missed his chance without Rocket man here today” said “Hyperion” (Robert Bishop) at Kranji.

Ato was trained by Patrick Shaw who also trained the 2011 KrisFlyer International Sprint hero Rocket Man.