Group 1 first for Not A Single Doubt

Arrowfield sire Not A Single Doubt completed a weekend to remember when Always Certain won the G1 Raffles Cup in Singapore on Sunday.

Always Certain claimed his first domestic Group 1 when he stormed home at the end of 1800 metres to defeat Clear For Action (Commands) and Speed Baby (Fastnet Rock).  His previous career high had been a G2 victory in the Chairman’s Trophy victory in July.

The Raffles Cup came 24 hours after Not A Single Doubt filly Karuta Queen burnt her rivals to a crisp in the G3 Australia Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley.

Always Certain (5g Not A Single Doubt – Akarana by Akaaber) is bred to get over longer trips than the Queanbeyan flyer.  He is from a sister to G3 Tasmanian Derby winner Suavity.

“This horse deserved a Group 1 win and he’s finally achieved it,” trainer Michael Freedman said.  “He’s been competing at the highest level right through his career but, until now, he’s been denied by Better Than Ever.”

Always Certain is raced by Bernard Lee of Horizon Stable and the G1 Singapore Gold Cup (2200m) on November 13 is next on the agenda.  

“I had a lap full of horse and he was travelling well the whole race,” winning jockey Vlad Duric said.  “It’s a very satisfying because I went into the race feeling pretty confident.”

Not A Single Doubt (Redoute’s Choice) has sired 16 stakes performers in his first three crops at Arrowfield.  He came close to a Group 1 when Squamosa was just beaten in the 2010 STC Golden Rose by Toorak Toff.