Recording consecutive victories, Lingjun Xiongfeng (The Factor) rose markedly in grade to win the Print House Open Handicap (1600m) on Saturday at Te Rapa.
Deserving of victory in the Rating 65 1500 metres on 9 December at Pukekohe, the sharp rise posed no obstacle for the striking grey entire and he did a demolition job on his rivals.
Ridden again by newly acquainted South African immigrant Billy Jacobson, who is quickly adjusting to track conditions in New Zealand, Lingjun Xiongfeng sat last in a field of eight, travelled effortlessly throughout, and once drawn out in the straight he rattled home to win by a rather astonishing five and a half lengths.
“He was just cruising at the back and just went so well,” said Jacobson, on dismounting.
Always held in high regard by co-trainer Pam Gerard, Lingjun Xiongfeng was reported to have worked up terrifically well since winning at Pukekohe, and she was bullish on his prospects despite the jump in class.
“He’s absolutely flying at the moment, jumping out of his skin, working and eating well and looks terrific,” Gerard said. “He’s very fit and I’d been very happy with the way he’d been working.
“Bart (Cowan) has prepared another really good track, which has been fantastic for the amount of racing it’s had, and thank you to everyone at the club,” Gerard said.
“He (Lingjun Xiongfeng) was absolutely amazing at Pukekohe, and I think in the last month he has grown lengths after being a little bit wayward, obviously still being a colt.
“About a month ago he just started looking like something different and he’s shown that in races by winning in 65-grade and now a big win in an Open Handicap, against some very nice horses.
“He’s a horse with a lot of potential and could now prepare for the Rich Hill Mile (Gr.2, 1600m).”
