Young South African hoop takes the reins on unlucky Miracle Time on Sunday

Singapore trainer Stephen Gray has engaged talented South African jockey Callan Murray to ride Miracle Time at Kranji on Sunday.

And while the horse’s form line looks bleak, Gray is predicting he will run very well in the fourth race at 7.40pm NZ time.

“We’ve got a good, young strong jockey on and he has a great barrier draw in three.’’

Gray says while the form book shows Miracle Time ran only eighth at his last start, the horse ran very well with no luck.

Miracle Time began awkwardly, was heavily bumped soon afterwards then lost further ground when tightened for room after 300 metres.

“He was a bit stiff. But he showed a bit of courage to pick himself up and get going.

Miracle Time, arrowed, makes good ground from the back to finish less than three lengths from the winner.“I liked the way he got to the line. He made really good ground and wasn’t flogged to do it.’’

Miracle Time ran the fastest third sectional in the race to get within 2.7 lengths of the winner Corsa D’Oro.

Gray says after being typically slow to mature, like most Alamosas, Miracle Time has now matured and acclimatised to Singapore.

“He’s settled down a lot and he’ll start going well now. He’s no champion but he’s going to do well here. He’s a very sound horse.’’

Gray says Miracle Time probably needs blinkers but he’s not keen to rush into that. “I want to get him doing things right.’’

Gray says he’s pleased to have Murray on the four-year-old on Sunday, just a few days after his arrival in Singapore.

The champion apprentice in South Africa in 2015-16 he claims 370 winners and made headlines when riding three Grade I winners in a day at Turffontein on May 6, 2017.

The 22-year-old is in his second season in Hong Kong but has endured a dry spell for the last six months, along with a broken nose and suspension, and is looking forward to riding in Singapore where he has eight rides this weekend for six different trainers.