Spalato – unbeaten in 7 starts here
Two of the best horses in Singapore are set to lock horns in what looks to be one of the races of the season this coming Sunday, writes Gareth Pepper.
The aptly named Jumbo Jet Trophy on Sunday sees the return of reigning horse of the year War Affair and Spalato. This much anticipated clash has finally materialised and it is mouthwatering stuff indeed. Although only a Group 3, it has the makings of one of the finest duels of the season.
Let’s have a look at the contenders.
War Affair – a magnificent specimen
War Affair, a 4yo, who has won 14 of 20 and has only run unplaced once in his career returns to this 1400m contest after a courageous 2nd to Quechua in the Derby back in July. He is a magnificent specimen and Alan Munro retains the ride. He will probably race from just off of the pace.
Spalato is unbeaten in 7 starts in Singapore. Barring a luckless 2 starts in Hong Kong last December he is a class act and his return to racing after 8 months on the sidelines was simply spectacular. He blew away some of our better Poly horses to make the race his own and beat them out of sight. Leading rider Manoel Nunes will again be reunited with this high quality individual and it seems he will be on the pace if not trying to make all.
The Verdict
War Affair will be chasing Spalato who races a lot handier and will be making up ground hand over fist. The real question is whether he will manage to make up the deficit.
Personally I think Spalato may just outgun his rival in the run to the wire and may have picked up an unassailable lead. One thing is for sure – expect mind blowing sectionals, especially at the business end of the race.
Singapore Grand Prix
My father Brett and his lovely wife Sonja will be jetting out in just over two weeks to attend the F1.
I am looking so forward to having them over. Sonja is a diehard fan and has been waiting to attend an event like this for a long time. My Dad, although enjoying F1, is more interested in the musical talent that will be on display (and the pit girl talent too, I am sure!)
Pharell Williams, Maroon 5 and Dad’s highlight, Bon Jovi, will be appearing and I cannot wait to see them up close and in person! I will be sure to keep my distance when Bon Jovi play one of their greatest hits ‘Bed of Roses’ as my father is well known for being a hopeless romantic.
I will hopefully be on the other end of the stage, with a willing dance partner – oh, how I love life in this wonderful country.
Till next time.
