Huka Falls – a big win on Friday evening
This past weekend in Singapore was filled with some competitive events and after the horror of last weekend punters were looking to make amends, writes Gareth Pepper.
Friday night’s racing was highlighted by the open 1000m sprint on the poly and it was Huka Falls that duly obliged for Michael Rodd and Trainer Laurie Laxon. Sadly the race was marred by the fact that the talented Cash Advance, who had won 5 of 10, was cut into by the eventual winner and has subsequently been euthenased on humane grounds.
Getting back to the winner, it was his 14th career victory and it was awesome to see – he is a big boy weighing in at 579 kg’s, and he can really motor. Well done to Laurie and his team, they have done wonders with him.
Sunday saw more classy racing.
Fastnet Dragon was looking to make it 4 wins on the trot and he duly saluted with another exceptional performance. He won with ease and I get the impression he is not fully furnished. He is the real deal and is headed straight to the top and has his eyes set on the Derby.
Another horse that put himself back in contention for the older staying races, including the Gold Cup, was Valbuena. Again the combination of Rodd and Laxon teamed up and he was trying blinkers for the first time.
Having been disappointing for 11 starts he made amends last time out and pulled off a quick double on Sunday. Laxon has always held him in high regard and perhaps things are falling into place now for the talented galloper – pencil his name in.
Dad’s In Town
It is so amazing to have my Dad in town. I didn’t realise how much I actually miss him and my family and the flood of emotions I experienced when fetching him at the airport was refreshing.
So far he has experienced the races and is highly impressed with the facilities and all they have to offer. The heat has been quite bearable of late, and my Dad has said that he feels he is in a sauna permanently.
War Affair – back in action this weekend
Luckily I have made a few friends and they have been very kind in looking after him at the races and when we go out! he is here for another week and I will do my best to show him around and help him experience this beautiful country. I am so grateful that he has come to visit and is able to see how privileged I am to be working here (he is the reason the racing bug bit me) – and yes, I am still pinching myself!
The beast that is War Affair is back in action next week in the second leg of the 4yo Series. He should be hard to beat on Sunday but another really talented individual that will be having a start a bit earlier in the day is Affleck. He is headed for bigger and better things after winning the Guineas and I feel that the further he goes the better. We have not seen the best of him so keep an eye out for the star galloper.
I look forward to reporting back on our big weekend and the sight seeing diaries of Pepper Senior next week.
Till next time.
