Spalato – won easily
Sunday saw the running of the Gr3 Jumbo Jet Trophy, and with the shock withdrawal of War Affair during the week, it pretty much looked a one-horse race. It turned out so, as Spalato jumped, led, and was streets ahead of the opposition, writes Gareth Pepper.
Manoel Nunes eased him up a long way before the finishing post and it was an emphatic victory for one of the best in Singapore. The question everyone is asking, is whether he will in fact jet out to Australia.
Nothing has been confirmed and it would be sad if the clash between him and War Affair never materialised. News is that War Affair is only suffering from a minor setback – so let’s hope he makes a speedy recovery.
Step On It
Step It Up won his 13th start from 30 runs on Sunday.
He is not the biggest, weighing in at roughly 445kgs, but what he lacks for in size, he more than makes up for in heart.
He defied the odds, lumping 59,5kg’s again – and boy, he does things the hard way!
He has no early pace, drops himself out and the rider niggles him with 1000m to go – yet he grinds away and storms home, never winning by far. He just does enough. He is a fantastic example of a ‘budget purchase’, reaping the rewards of the fantastic prize money on offer here with earnings just shy of $2 Million.
Well done to trainer Laurie Laxon and his rider Nunes.
A special mention also to Laurie’s right-hand man, Shane Ellis. Step It Up is a soldier for the yard and I know Shane has worked really hard at maintaining one of his favourite’s form and keeping him at peak fitness and performance.
Super One
Super One
I spent some time with the star juvenile, Super One, who is now a 3yo, and headed to Australia.
By the time we go to press, he would have entered quarantine for his tilt at the Coolmore Stakes on Derby Day – 31st October.
Michael Freedman was kind enough to allow me access to the colt and to spend time with him. I was blown away. He is one of the most beautiful specimens I have ever laid eyes on and has the temperament to boot.
I wish the Freedman team all the best with their star galloper and I will be shouting him home from my local, come Derby Day.
Quarantine
One aspect that really caught my attention – he only has to quarantine in Singapore before he can fly to Melbourne, where he only has to do another two weeks – all the while being able to work.
It is a fantastic position for the trainers to be in.
It does however make me really sad that our trainers and their horses back home have to go through the most tedious and ridiculous travel arrangements to compete on the world’s stage.
Harry’s Son and team – walking the ,long road to Dubai
On that note I want to wish my good friend Mr Paul (Lafferty) and Mr George all the best with Harry’s Son.
It Looks like Mr Roy is having a fantastic time with him in Mauritius and If you haven’t read the blog yet, it comes highly recommended!
Check out the blog.
Till next time.
