After finding one to beat on Pacific Padrino in his last start, Carlos Henrique knew that he was on to a good horse and sure enough, the partnership emerged victorious in the RM100,000 Chairman’s Trophy over 1600m at Sungai Besi today.

Four horses tussled for the early lead in the race for five-year-olds. Filial Dragon and Pacific Warrior eventually took charge and led from Cinnamon Blaze, Aniki and Gulf Eagle who were in a line. Next came Pacific Padrino, racing on the rails, and Golden Pegasus.

Pacific Warrior had a narrow lead from Filial Dragon making the turn into the straight. Gulf Eagle was just next ahead of Cinnamon Blaze with Pacific Padrino now among a line of horse behind them.

Pacific Padrino was switched out behind the horses in front shortly after the 400m. He quickly opened up nicely and ranged alongside the leaders at the 200m to make it a line of four at that stage. But he soon kicked clear and drew away in the run home to win by 2-1/2 lengths.

Gulf Eagle battled on for second with Legend Of Niagara finishing well for third.

“I was very confident on Pacific Padrino,” said Henrique.

“We had a good second last start. It was the first time I rode him and I told (trainer) Jason (Ong) then he’s going to be a good horse.

“I was happy to ride him again. He was very fit during the week and it was good win.”

“We are taking things one step at a time,” said Ong.

“He (Pacific Padrino) is still peaking and getting used to the environment (at Sungai Besi).”

Pacific Padrino raced in very company at two and three in Australia, winning a restricted listed race at Randwick and was third in a listed race at Moonee Valley, besides finishing on board four times in black-type races.

He picked up another race at Ipswich at four before heading to Singapore where he won twice in Class 4.