Exceed Living Up to Expectations


Speedy Pencarrow Stud-bred three-year-old raced to his second career win on Friday night with victory in the S$75,000 Novice 1200m at Kranji, taking his winning strike rate to 50%.

The Laurie Laxon trained gelding was a winner on debut for rider Manoel Nunes who was back aboard the son of Exceed and Excel for the first time since that win.

Starting as the race-favourite, Exceed Express bounced out of the barriers and straight to the lead. He raced greenly under Nunes who was able to stack the field up before the home straight. Second placegetter Orchard Road challenged Exceed Express but was no match as the inexperienced gelding raced to victory by a length.

“I’ve always thought highly of him. He’s still very erratic but he’s getting better,” said Laxon. “He doesn’t handle the corners very well but Nunes did a good job on him.

“He was reared from conception at Pencarrow Stud by Sir Peter Vela and cost $210,000 as a yearling. Bloodstock agent Mike Kneebone bought him for his Hong Kong owners.

“I’ll probably look for a Graduation race for him next. Being a three-year-old, he’ll get in at the low weights on handicap.”

From only four starts Exceed Express has already earned S$96,468 for his owners the Master Achiever Stable from his two wins.

Bred by Sir Peter and Philip Vela, Exceed Express is out of Listed winning sprinting mare Darcybee (Fasliyev), a half-sister to stakes winners Lord Pyrus (Pyrus) and Tehama (Centaine).

Mr NC Chan & Mr VW Lai purchased Exceed Express for $210,000 at the 2013 Karaka Premier Sale from Pencarrow Stud.