The final edition of the $400,000 Group 1 Singapore Derby is set to take place at Kranji Racecourse this Sunday, featuring a 13-contestant field of four-year-old horses. Here’s our preview of the race:
No 1: BESTSELLER
Trainer Ricardo Le Grange has two runners in this race, with Bestseller appearing to be the stronger contender. This multiple Group 3 winner narrowly missed out to Lim’s Saltoro in a photo finish last time out and is likely to be the second favourite.
No 2: LIM’S SALTORO
Having claimed the first two legs of the Four-Year-Old Series in emphatic fashion, Lim’s Saltoro stands just one race away from achieving the ultimate glory of sweeping the 4YO Triple Crown, a feat only accomplished by Jolie’s Shinju in 2009. He is the one to beat.
No 3: MAKIN
The Written Tycoon gelding has been in career-best form this year, never missing the frame and securing three wins. Despite stepping up to 1800m for the first time, his low draw suggests he could have an economical run and be a strong contender for the win.
No 4: FLYING NEMO
An interesting runner with a blistering turn-of-foot, he largely relies on the pace of the race. With several front-runners drawn out wide, the race may unfold in his favour, making him a potential surprise at odds.
No 5: ANIKI
Leslie Khoo’s charge seems to have lost form recently, and it would take significant improvement for him to win the Derby, despite the addition of jockey Ruan Maia.
No 6: LIGHTNING STRIKE
One of only two horses in this week’s field to have previously won over 1800m, Lightning Strike does not have distance concerns that may affect many others. With fly-in jockey Hugh Bowman taking the reins, his connections are hopeful that his performance will justify the extra cost.
No 7: RODA ROBOT
Scratched.
No 8: GALAXY BAR
This horse has a loyal supporter who left a comment saying “all the way” on iRace’s Facebook page. With top jockey Tyler Schiller on board and blinkers applied for the first time, Galaxy Bar still faces an uphill task from a wide draw, particularly in a race of this level.
No 9: HOLE IN ONE
The other runner from Ricardo Le Grange’s stable, Hole in One, finished a fast-finishing fifth in the Group 2 Stewards’ Cup last start, his first attempt at the Group level. If he can handle the 1800m trip, a Top 3 finish is not out of reach.
No 10: COMBUSTION
He has recently secured a double, so his form is not in question. However, class-wise, he is considered an underdog in this race. It would take a miraculous ride from Ryan Curatolo for him to win here.
No 11: JUNGLE CRUISE
This Japanese four-year-old has yet to break through in Class 4, making it difficult to see how he can overcome such a significant step up in class to win the Derby. At best, he has a place chance.
No 12: PACIFIC WARRIOR
His recent form has been moderate. However, as many trainers say, “you only turn four once,” which is why he is in this race.
No 13: PACIFIC STAR
Rated at 44 and more suited to Class 5 races, iRace has no comment on this horse’s chances in the Derby.
