El Padrino
This past weekend and the upcoming one are pretty low-key in terms of quality and big fields at the turf club, and although times are quiet locally, internationally there is big news to report, writes Gareth Pepper.
Three representatives of Singapore have travelled to Korea to compete in the Asia Challenge Cup.
Defending champion El Padrino from the Alwin Tan yard will be taking his place and trainer Tan is very confident of a bold showing from his globetrotting star. He also has Happy Money entered but the aforementioned is most definitely the preference for me.
Fred Crabbia
The third representative is the Brian Dean trained Valevole. He is owned by none other than Fred Crabbia and will add his name to a long list of international runners for Crabbia. I expect a bold showing from the game 7 year old, who has been turned out to perfection recently by the likeable Brian Dean.
It will be his first international runner and I really do wish him well. Brian has been a pleasure to deal with since my arrival here and is always there to lend an ear and provide useful and insighful advice.
We will be shouting them all home and I am sure they will all do Singapore proud (we do not want to return that trophy!)
The race takes place on Sunday and has also attracted entrants from Japan.
Tuesday Trials
On Tuesday two of Singapore’s best trialled.
Let’s start with Emperor Max. Second in the Krisflyer in May behind Aerovelocity, he trialled under Corey Brown and Stephen Gray was very pleased with his steed’s efforts.
He is being aimed at the Garden City Trophy on 20 September and all going well could be headed to England to contest the QIPCO British Champion Series at Ascot in England on October 17.
Another top horse that trialled was potential star Super One.
Undefeated thus far, he really put in a smashing trial and I spoke to Brown afterwards and he had the following to say :
“It was a super trial from this super horse. He missed the jump slightly, but recovered like the professional he is and was quickly at the head of affairs. One of the other triallers moved up, which I was hoping for, and boy did he just relish that and felt like he had a lot more to offer. He trials again before he enters quarantine on 10 September and I look forward to feeling how this brings him on.”
Chatting to trainer Michael Freedman before the trial he felt that the colt may have a start before the Group 1 Coolmore stakes on 31 October just to aid his fitness in the build up to his toughest test to date.
Fashion TV
Corey Brown – Fashion jockey
In all likelihood jockey Corey Brown will be racking up a good load of frequent flyer points and when I quizzed him on Super One he sticks by his comments adding that he gives him the same, if not similar feel, that Exceed and Excel did.
Known for his fashion sense and style,I quizzed him regarding his likely outfit choice for his UK visit.
His response: ” I know the best tailors in the UK. Steve and Allan have looked after me before and I have already had a chat to them and I may have a surprise in store. Not only will Emperor Max and I be there to make a statement, the crowds will be pleasantly surprised with my outfit. It is all part of the occasion and I can’t wait!”
Till next time.
