Rookie apprentice Farhan Ghazali produced a gem of a ride to take out the Visit Malaysia – Sarawak – Sibu Heritage Centre Stakes (1600m) on Banker’s Beautiful at Sungai Besi today.

Since his debut a few months back, racegoers are so used to seeing the Kelantan lad adopting front-running tactics on his mounts, and winning an increasing of races in this manner.

But the Supreme C race over 1600m today showcased another side of Farhan who showed patience and maturity beyond his years.

Banker’s Beautiful started favourite in the six-horse field and Farhan allowed him to settle last all the way till the top of the straight.

Out in front, Banker’s Empress jumped best and led momentarily but Banker’s Kingdom took up the running on settling down to lead from Banker’s Secret at the halfway mark. Then came Banker’s Empress, Pacific Star, Eastern Barracks and Banker’s Beautiful who was five lengths astern of the leader.

Banker’s Kingdom led till the 50m mark when Eastern Barracks and Banker’s Beautiful began to charge at the leader. Banker’s Beautiful hit the front close to home to win by a neck, with Banker’s Kingdom half a length away third.

“I went with the pace on the horse (Banker’s Beautiful) in her last start but she could not run on,” said Farham who scored on the Straubourg mare over 1300m in January.

“So this time, I allowed her to settle down behind and make my challenge in the straight.”

“With the topweight, the boy (Farhan) rode a beautiful race with the (3-kg) claims,” said trainer Johnny Lim.

“Defnitely a very honest horse who is on the upgrade.”

Banker’s Beautiful had a win and two placings in seven runs in Australia. She is now a two-time winner in seven starts in the country.