No. 1 LIM’S KOSCIUSZKO: This local champion had been in unstoppable form this year, securing two Group 1 victories in the Kranji Mile and Lion City Cup. However, his winning streak was recently halted by stablemate Lim’s Saltoro in the G1 Raffles Cup. Benefiting from the Weight For Age conditions, he remains the one to beat in this week’s feature race.
No. 2 GOLDEN MONKEY: Trained by Tim Fitzsimmons, Golden Monkey has often found himself in the shadows of Lim’s Kosciuszko and Lim’s Saltoro. This time, though, he has a prime opportunity to turn the tables, drawing a good barrier while the two stars from Lim’s Stable have drawn wide. With the added advantage of fly-in jockey Kyle Wilson-Taylor, his chances of claiming victory are significantly boosted.
No. 3 LIM’S SALTORO: This star five-year-old has truly come into his own, securing two Group 1 wins this year. After his G1 Singapore Derby triumph two starts ago, he delivered an impressive performance by edging out his stablemate and reigning Horse of the Year, Lim’s Kosciuszko, in the G1 Raffles Cup. Known for his tenacity, he is tough to run down under any circumstances.
No. 4 DREAM ALLIANCE: Known for his blistering turn of foot, Dream Alliance’s performance heavily depends on the race pace. He finished a solid second in this year’s G1 Kranji Mile when the tempo suited his style, and he will definitely make his presence felt if they set a fast pace up front.
No. 5 MR BLACK BACK: As a natural front-runner expected to set the pace this week, Mr Black Back faces a tough challenge in this competitive field. Despite his wide draw, he is anticipated to lead the pack; however, most expect that he may not be able to hold on until the finish.
No. 6 BESTSELLER: A multiple Group 3 winner, Bestseller finished a close second behind Lim’s Saltoro in the G2 Stewards’ Cup and fourth in the G1 Singapore Derby. After a strong trial performance, he could secure a Top 3 finish if he brings his A game to the track this weekend.
No. 7 CAVALRY: As a son of Tavistock and the runner-up in last year’s G1 Singapore Derby, he should be well-suited to the 1800m distance this week. However, he has shown inconsistent form and may lack the class to compete against horses like Lim’s Kosciuszko and Lim’s Saltoro, as evidenced by his mediocre ninth-place finish in the G1 Raffles Cup last time out.
No. 8 RAISING SIXTY-ONE: Disregard his last outing where the rider was dislodged at the start. Prior to that, he finished a fast-closing fourth in the G1 Kranji Mile and third in Class 2. Based on his ratings, he might be better suited to a handicap feature rather than this week’s Weight For Age conditions.
No. 9 KING OF SIXTY-ONE: As a consistent front-runner, he is expected to settle in the leading pack and give them something to chase. However, he and Mr Black Back both face the same question of sustainability. A Top 3 finish would be a commendable achievement.
No. 10 SMART STAR: An honest performer in Class 4, he might not have been in this race if Singapore racing were not to come to an end within a month. Simply put, it would take a miracle for him to win here.
No. 11 HOLE IN ONE: He exceeded expectations by finishing third in this year’s G1 Singapore Derby and confirmed his form with an easy win in Class 4 last time out. Undoubtedly a promising type, but whether he can measure up at Open Group 1 level remains a significant question mark.
No. 12 ISTATABA: As the only mare in this feature, Istataba benefits from a 1.5kg weight allowance over her male counterparts and an inside draw. However, given her current form and ratings, winning this Group 1 race would be an extremely challenging task.
