Trees of Valinor Lands 3YO Mile Championship

Maynard's 2nd runner steps up to the plate after favourite Duma falters in the feature

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KUALA LUMPUR, IPOH - Trees of Valinor lowered the colours of his stablemate Duma when he rattled home down the middle of the track to claim the RM200,000 (S$60,300) 3-Year-Old Mile Championship (1,600m) at Sungai Besi on June 29.

Prepared by trainer Frank Maynard, Duma held a good record of three wins and three seconds from seven starts previously, including his last-start second behind Elite Prince in the 3-Year-Old Sprint Championship (1,200m) on June 1.

Ridden by Andre da Silva, all eyes were on the Too Darn Hot gelding after he came from midfield to find daylight at the 400m, and began pulling away from the leader Campionessa (Troy See) at the 350m.

On the other hand, Trees Of Valinor — who had been trailing behind stablemate Duma on the rails — had to cross heels behind Duma and Yes Man (Clyde Leck) shortly after turning for home, and even bumped into Rocky Pegasus (Syafifie Zailuddin) on his outside.

But jockey Wong Kam Chong balanced the son of Telperion up in no time before letting down at the 200m. The $29 shot closed in fast with every stride and collared Duma within the last 50m before going on to score.

Rocky Bhai (Lim Aun Kean) and Rocky Pegasus filled the minor spots in second and third respectively, while Strong White (Khaw Choon Kit) flew home on the outside to run fourth. Duma held on in fifth.

The winning time was 1min 34.98sec for the 1,600m on the long course.