This year’s $300,000 Group 1 Raffles Cup (1600m) features an elite field of 10 contenders, with reigning Horse of the Year LIM’S KOSCIUSZKO and rising star LIM’S SALTORO in the spotlight. Here is the preview from iRace:
No. 1 LIM’S KOSCIUSZKO: The defending champion of this feature is in unstoppable form at Kranji, having won all four of his starts this year, including two at the highest level. Under the Weight For Age conditions, he stands out as the highest-rated horse, setting the standard that his rivals will have to beat.
No. 2 GOLDEN MONKEY: Trained by Tim Fitzsimmons, Golden Monkey is a consistent performer in Group races and holds an edge in ratings over most competitors this week. With an explosive turn of foot, he’s well-positioned to make an impact if the race unfolds to his advantage.
No. 3 DREAM ALLIANCE: Another contender from Fitzsimmons’ stable, Dream Alliance has a tendency to come from behind and make a strong late charge, making his performance dependent on the pace of the race. If the front-runners go too fast, he could capitalize on the situation, as seen in his solid second-place finish in the Group 1 Kranji Mile this year.
No. 4 LIM’S SALTORO: The rising star in the final chapter of Singapore racing, Lim’s Saltoro boasts an impressive record of nine wins from ten starts, with his only defeat coming at the hands of stablemate LIM’S KOSCIUSZKO. After a tenacious victory in the Group 1 Singapore Derby three weeks ago, he enters this feature in career-best form.
No. 5 MR BLACK BACK: As a natural front-runner likely to take on the role of pace setter this week, Mr Black Back will have a challenging task against this competitive field. Although he benefits from a favourable draw, finishing in the Top 3 would be a commendable feat given the strength of his rivals.
No. 6 CAVALRY: Generally more suited to feature races under Handicap conditions, Cavalry demonstrated commendable form with a fast-finishing second in a Class 2 race last time out, despite the challenging race shape. If he performs at his best, he could secure a place this week.
No. 7 MAKIN: Ultra-consistent this year, Makin has secured three wins and five additional placings from eight starts. He was narrowly beaten by Lim’s Saltoro in a photo finish at the Group 1 Singapore Derby, falling short by just a head. The drop back to 1600m and a favourable draw are both positive factors, making him a strong contender for the Top 3, especially with champion jockey Manoel Nunes aboard.
No. 8 RAISING SIXTY-ONE: While his recent form has been consistent, the Weight For Age conditions are not ideal for him, as he is the third lowest-rated horse in the field. Nonetheless, given his solid fourth-place finish in the Group 1 Kranji Mile in May, he could represent value for a place.
No. 9 ACE OF DIAMONDS: The winner of this year’s Guineas, Ace of Diamonds finished fourth in the Group 1 Lion City Cup (1200m) last time out, facing older horses at the highest level for the first time. While he has significant potential for improvement, a win would be a surprise.
No. 10 ISTATABA: As the only mare in this feature, Istataba benefits from a 1.5kg weight allowance over her male counterparts. However, her last win was in Class 3, and she is significantly disadvantaged under the Weight For Age conditions. Given the challenges of competing at Group 1 level, it’s difficult to see how she could overcome this task.
