Rocket Man, one of the world’s best sprinters on the international circuit, showed he was on track for Dubai’s US$2 million Golden Shaheen with a brilliant fresh win this evening at Kranji.

The champion galloper showed his usual speed and under Barend Vorster he cruised to the line five and three quarter lengths clear of his nearest rival Capablanca.

From an inside barrier Rocket Man sat just off the speed set by Dr Lemon before hitting the front on straight and streaking away for the easiest of wins.

Trainer Patrick Shaw said Rocket Man was in great shape for his Dubai mission.

“I said to Barend if the circumstances permit to try and tuck in behind Dr Lemon early in the race and then let him open up once in the straight,” Shaw said.

“It was important to try and get him to settle. He did it beautifully and we know he is spot on now looking forward to Dubai.”

“We’ll get him x-rays, as we always do, before he goes. With horses like him you just hope they come back sound.”

Vorster couldn’t have been more impressed with the performance – saying the champion felt great during the race.

“He just felt superb in himself today,” a bubbling Vorster reported after the race.

“I had goosebumps when I got on him as he was bouncing around in the back yard, but he eventually switched off and was nice and relaxed.”

“They went quite quickly in the early part and I just let him go through his paces. From the 600 (metres) he just picked it up himself and worked his way through.”

“In the straight it was important to give him a good hitout and keep his mind on what he was doing, not have him twitching his ears and having a look around.”

“Everything is 100% with him. His weight is spot on so all we can do now is touch wood and keep our fingers crossed.”

A $60,000 purchase for Andy Williams’ World Wide Bloodstock outfit at the 2007 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale, Rocket Man is raced by South African businessman Fred Crabbia.

He passed the magical S$3 million barrier with the win tonight – his 13th from 17 starts. He was second, beaten no more than a neck at his other four outings at international Group One level.

A son of WA based sire Viscount, Rocket Man is a half brother to the South African Group One winner Our Giant.

Photos courtesy of Singapore Turf Club.