Having the David Kok-trained City Gold Wonder in the $150,000 Group 2 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) on Sunday at his Singapore debut was probably akin to throwing the proverbial cat among the pigeons.
Not that the unknown quantity would cause mayhem in the second Leg of the Singapore Four-Year-Old Challenge, but his presence could affect the outcome in the nominated field of 10.
Previously known as Mihocek and trained by Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou, the three-time winner from Australia did not quite make the city grade. However, he was more than honest at provincial tracks with another five placings from 18 starts.
But as punters are aware, horses that can handle the tropical conditions of Singapore can improve dramatically and connections will be hoping that this is the case for City Gold Wonder on Sunday when he goes up against the best four-year-olds in Kranji.
The son of Sooboog arrived in good form, with a win at his last start over 1400m in Newcastle on February 4. Furthermore, he had three solid trials in Singapore under his belt, which would suggest that he had acclimatised well to life in Kok’s yard.
With track rider Salim Yusoff onboard, City Gold Wonder looked comfortable when he finished second to Grand Supreme in trial no 2 on June 6 before being given a strong hit-out by jockey Manoel Nunes to run second to Gold Star in trial no 2 on June 15.
He had his final hit-out on Tuesday morning before his tough debut assignment this Sunday. Not asked to do much, City Gold Wonder had a quiet spin under race jockey Bernardo Pinheiro and finished in seventh behind Fame Star in trial no 3.
While Kok has been in the game long enough to know that Group 2 level is a huge step-up from three pleasing trials, he was more than willing to have a free throw at the stumps.
“You’re only four once,” quipped Kok.
“The owners (City Gold Stable) bought him specifically for the (Group 1) (Singapore) Derby, so while it had been a rushed preparation, he arrived fit and the three trials have topped him up nicely.
“The mile first-up in this company is very tough for any horse, but he has raced over the mile in New South Wales and won last start over seven furlongs. That (win) was only in February.
“He has acclimatised really well – most Australian horses do as a rule – and he’s a really good worker. This horse seems to be always happy, so I think he is ready.
“Bernardo restrained him in this morning’s trial and he reported that the horse felt good, so hopefully we are competitive against (trainer) Jason’s (Lim) horse (Super Salute) and (trainer) Tim’s (Fitzsimmons) Golden Monkey too.
“I spoke with Gerald about his quirks and given that he is always keen on the track and in the trials, he will wear pacifiers at the races. It’s (the Stewards’ Cup) a big ask but let’s hope he settles and shows his best.”
Should things go well for City Gold Wonder on Sunday, he would most likely proceed to the third and final Leg of the 4YO series, which is the Singapore Derby (1800m) held on July 23.
Kok was also full of praise for the City Gold Stable who has hit the ground running in Singapore with four wins in the 2023 season. He thought that they can still add to that tally with another two runners – City Gold Star in the $50,000 Class 4 race (1200m) and City Gold Warrior in the $20,000 Open Maiden Division 2 race (1400m) – on Sunday.
“Very nice owners and they buy good hoses,” explained the Singaporean conditioner.
“I have 12 City (Gold) horses in my stable now and was due to have more but we have stopped importing due to the announcement (of the Club’s closure in October 2024). They have purchased some nice yearlings too, but we will have to wait and see what happens there.
“City Gold Star won at his last start in the same company (Class 4 race over 1200m on May 20) and he has trained on well.
“A good barrier would be nice but (Jockey) Manoel (Nunes) stays on and I think he should go well again.
“City Gold Warrior needs a good gate too but will appreciate being back in Maiden company. (Jockey) Harry (A’Isisuhairi Kasim) will ride him and he placed on him two starts back (in an Open Maiden race over 1200m on May 14). He has maintained his fitness, so I expect a good run.”
Kok also shared that City Gold Forward – who has won twice in Class 3 company over 1200m on April 16 and May 27 respectively – is in fine order and he will step up to run in a Class 1 race (1200m) on July 8.
“Yes, he’s (City Gold Forward) going good and I will trial him on Thursday,” he said.
“There are not too many races for him, so we had to jump to Class 1 company. That big step-up in grade will test him for sure, but he’s a nice horse and will get a lightweight.”
