Singapore racing continues this Saturday, January 6th, featuring a 12-race Polytrack card.
The first feature race to ring in the New Year, the $110,000 Group 3 New Year Cup (1200m), boasts a competitive field with multiple contenders poised to secure victory.
Champion trainer Jason Ong has entered two runners in this race. Both MAJOR KING and AKHTAR have established themselves on the Polytrack, making it no surprise if either emerges victorious.
Trained by Richard Lim, the highly-rated SUPER SALUTE will be a strong contender owing to his formidable form, which allowed him to effortlessly defeat a similar field in his most recent outing. Previously, he finished as a luckless third to PACIFIC EMPEROR in the G3 Merlion Trophy at this track and distance after racing wide.
Touted as the one to beat based on his Merlion Trophy success, PACIFIC EMPEROR seeks to make a strong comeback after his attempt in the G1 Singapore Gold Cup last time. Despite facing difficulties in that race, the 2000m journey was an uphill task. He looked sharp in his recent trial and will relish this week’s racing conditions. With Vlad Duric at the helm, he looks set to rebound.
Elsewhere, the Daniel Meagher-trained three-year-old LIM’S BIGHORN is primed to break through when he contests the $20,000 Open Maiden race over 1200m.
LIM’S BIGHORN had trialled well prior to his debut in late November, so it was no surprise to see him meet solid betting support. Jumping from an awkward draw, the Better Than Ready gelding showed tactical speed and stuck on well to finish third over 1100m at this track.
The form has since been franked with both the winner ANIKI and the second-place getter STOP THE WATER scoring subsequently, which bodes well for LIM’S BIGHORN to break maiden in what appears a moderate field this week.
