Banker’s Two Six redeemed himself after a heart-breaking result in the Perak Derby (2000m) last time out by taking out the RM100,000 Chairman’s Trophy (1600m) at Singai Besi today.

Whereas he was racing all over the place in the Derby on Mar 22 and ended up a smack-up fourth to Guru Fight, the Toronado gelding led from start to finish in today’s feature for five-year-olds.

Apprentice Farhan Ghazali was ‘roasted’ by Johnny Lim, his master and trainer of Banker’s Two Six, for an ill-judged ride in the Derby.

Lim said on hindsight, he should have instructed Farhan to go to the front in the Derby which was what he did this time.

Banker’s Two Six went straight to the front after the jump but Farhan had a strong hold on his mount to go at a steady pace. He was joined by Red Dragonfly and Always A Gentleman at the front in the back straight. Eruption and Antipodean followed next.

Banker’s Two Six broke away at the halfway mark to lead by two lengths from Red Dragonfly going into the straight. Then came Eruption, Always A Gentleman and Antipodean.

Antipodean emerged from the chasing pack to go after Banker’s Two Six in the final 200m but the leader was going too well, winning by 2-1/2 lengths. Thunderous finished third.

“We probably made a wrong tactical move in the Derby so we switched back to front-running tactics which suited the horse more,” said Lim. “It worked out well.”

“He (Banker’s Two Six) is an up-and-coming horse and a nice horse to train.

“Good ride from the up-and-coming jockey (Farhan) as well.”

“My instructions were to the front which I did,” said Farhan.

“The others were trying to come on to us at the home turn but my horse was always travelling too well.

“This horse has a bright future. The best has yet to come from him.”

From winning in Class 4 towards the end of last season, Banker’s Two Six rose to prominence with a second-place finish – beaten by a neck by Kim Emperor – in the Piala Emas Sultan Selangor (2000m) last December.

Farhan has now ridden Banker’s Two Six to four of his five wins (from nine starts) in the country.