Singapore racing continues this Saturday, October 28th, featuring a 12-race turf and dirt fixture highlighted by the running of the Group 3 Merlion Trophy over 1200m on the Polytrack.
Talented five-year-old SUPER SALUTE is one of the leading contenders in the feature event, with a field of 12 set to compete.
SUPER SALUTE had a winning streak of seven races before it came to an end five starts ago, finishing a solid second in the Group 2 Stewards’ Cup. The I Am Invincible gelding performed admirably in his next five starts despite not securing a victory, maintaining consistent form and even attaining an encouraging third place in the Group 1 Singapore Derby.
Standing out as the highest-rated horse, SUPER SALUTE is ideally placed under this week’s Weight For Age conditions, presenting him with a golden opportunity to return to the winner’s circle.
However, the victory won’t be handed to him on a silver platter, with talented four-year-old PACIFIC EMPEROR and five-year-old MAJOR KING both capable of spoiling the party.
PACIFIC EMPEROR scored an eye-catching win over SUPER SALUTE last time, but only carried 52.5kgs compared to 59kgs. Thus, at level weights this week, it makes for an intriguing contest.
In other races, the Tim Fitzsimmons-trained gelding CREATIVE DREAMS seems poised to break through when he competes in the $20,000 Open Maiden race over 1400m.
CREATIVE DREAMS has been placed five times in eight starts to date, including four in his last five outings. A wide draw likely hindered his chances of winning last time when the Spieth gelding was forced to settle off the speed before letting down well to secure second place over this track and distance, missing victory by only 0.75 lengths on the wire.
This week presents a now-or-never opportunity for CREATIVE DREAMS to finally shed his maiden status. He is up against a moderate field where most of his rivals should have been competing in Class 5 races. Despite being a beaten favourite in his last outing, it’s worth giving him another chance.
