The $1,380,000 Group 1 Grand Singapore Gold Cup (2000m), taking place at Kranji racecourse this Saturday afternoon, will mark the conclusion of Singapore’s 182-year racing tradition. Here’s the preview from iRace:
No. 1 LIM’S KOSCIUSZKO: The champ has been in tremendous form this year, securing three Group 1 wins in the Kranji Mile, Lion City Cup, and QEII Cup. Despite carrying top weight, he remains the one to beat, having won this feature under similar conditions last year.
No. 2 LIM’S SALTORO: This star five-year-old has truly come into his own, with two Group 1 victories this season. Most notably, he defeated stablemate Lim’s Kosciuszko two starts ago to claim the G1 Raffles Cup. Based on his impressive record of 10 wins and two placings from 12 starts, he has to be rated a strong contender.
No. 3 MAKIN: Runner-up in this year’s G1 Singapore Derby (1800m), Makin has maintained strong form since. With just 51.5kg on his back, he could cause an upset if he brings his A-game.
No. 4 DREAM ALLIANCE: Known for his blistering turn of foot, Dream Alliance’s chances often depend on race pace. With a full field likely to ensure a genuine tempo, he’s well-positioned to make his presence felt.
No. 5 MR BLACK BACK: As a natural front-runner, Mr Black Back is expected to set the pace this week. He is likely to lead the pack early, but in such a competitive field, holding on until the finish will be a tough challenge.
No. 6 BESTSELLER: A multiple Group 3 winner, Bestseller finished a credible fourth in this year’s G1 Singapore Derby. Last start, he endured a tough, wide trip and was well beaten in the G1 QEII Cup, but with a smoother run this time, improvement is expected.
No. 7 PACIFIC VAMPIRE: A talented sprinter with impressive tactical speed, but he has never won beyond 1200m. His entry into the Grand Gold Cup seems to be more about the historic significance of the race—it being the finale of Singapore racing—than his suitability for the distance.
No. 8 CAVALRY: His form has been inconsistent, but he is capable over the 2000m distance. If he finds his best form this week, he could sneak into the placings.
No. 9 BIG HEARTED: The winner of this race in 2020, he resumed with a fast-finishing third two weeks ago after an eight-month break. He seems to be peaking at the right time, and his explosive turn of foot positions him well in a competitive 16-horse field.
No. 10 KING OF SIXTY-ONE: With his good early speed, he’s expected to settle in the leading pack and give the others something to chase. Despite this being his first foray into Group 1 competition, he could be a genuine lightweight chance.
No. 11 BIG UNION: He has quickly progressed through the grades, boasting five wins from nine local starts. However, all his victories have come at 1200m or shorter, making the significant rise in distance a major concern this week.
No. 12 HOLE IN ONE: Following an easy Class 4 win two starts ago, he exceeded expectations by finishing fourth in the G1 QEII Cup—his first attempt at the Open G1 level—last time out. With Australian jockey Taylor Marshall flying in for the ride, he commands plenty of respect.
No. 13 ISTATABA: As the only mare in this race, her recent performances in Group 1 races under Weight For Age conditions have been disappointing. However, a return to a Handicap feature could see her deliver a much-improved effort.
No. 14 SMART STAR: An honest performer in Class 4, he will need a miracle—relying on the skills of top South African jockey Muzi Yeni—to secure a Top 3 finish.
No. 15 MAXIMA: Since returning to racing in May this year, something seems to have been amiss. Given his current form, it’s difficult to envision how he could win this G1 contest.
No. 16 DON’T FORGET BOSS: Just three starts ago, he was still competing in Class 5, so few would have anticipated his presence in this G1 feature. He simply appears outclassed in this field.
