Singapore racing continues this Saturday, November 18th, featuring an 11-race turf and dirt fixture. While it may not boast the same class as last week’s G1 Gold Cup fixture, there are still some promising betting races on the day.
The four-year-old stayer KING OF SIXTY-ONE will relish returning to the 2000m journey in the $50,000 Class 4 Handicap over the distance. Trained by Tim Fitzsimmons, the gelding has been an honest performer in 10 local starts, winning twice and placing a further five times. It’s fair to say that the longer the distance, the better for this Irish-bred, but longer-distance races only come around occasionally.
In his second attempt over 2000m two starts ago, KING OF SIXTY-ONE led from start to finish, winning convincingly by 4.5 lengths. However, in his last start, a slow getaway over a shorter distance of 1800m saw him positioned off the pace but finishing well into third. Returning to 2000m is pivotal for KING OF SIXTY-ONE’s chances here, and appearing as the natural leader will make him hard to run down, especially under apprentice S Jamil’s 3kg claim.
It could be a fruitful day for champion trainer contender Fitzsimmons, as the three-year-old gelding FIRE aims to secure an overdue win in the $75,000 Restricted Maiden race over 1200m.
FIRE will make his seventh attempt this week after securing third place on three occasions. His last appearance showcased a promising run, finishing fourth at this track over 1100m. Starting from the widest position in barrier 12 on that occasion forced jockey Vlad Duric to rely on luck from the back. From the 600m mark, FIRE had to race wide and without cover while navigating the bend, leaving him with too much ground to make up in the concluding stages.
The rise to 1200m augurs well for FIRE’s chances this week. Additionally, competing in a moderate Restricted Maiden contest positions him as the standout contender to beat.
