Manoel Nunes knows what it takes to win a jockeys’ premiership, especially in Singapore.
In fact, his five Singapore champion jockey titles in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2022 and 2023 had the Brazilian ace second only to Singapore’s great jockey Saimee Jumaat, who won the honours eight times.
Smart Star (Manoel Nunes) seen here at his last win in a Class 4 race over the mile two starts ago (Pic – STC)
With Singapore racing coming to a stop after 5 October, adding a sixth and last champion jockey title at Kranji places high on Nunes’ agenda. Although there are only eight meetings left in the shortened season, he already has that goal well and truly in his sights.
Nunes currently sits on 48 wins, one behind current leader and compatriot Bruno Queiroz. With both jockeys riding multiple winners at the race meetings more often than not, it would seem that the fight for top honours will go down to the wire.
With the cliché that “you cannot win a race at nominations, but you can lose one” ringing loudly in his ears, Nunes was busy as usual last Monday as he sought the best possible rides for this Sunday’s 10-race meeting at Kranji.
“It’s very important to be on the best horses,” said Nunes, who has also been crowned champion jockey six times in Macau and once in Mauritius in 2019.
“So, you have to be on your game when the nominations come out on Monday. But to be honest, even well before that you should know which horses are ready to win and where.
“I try to ride only horses I think have a chance to win or horses that have a future, so I have to do my homework.
“People think it’s just a weekly thing to ride winners, but it takes a whole year of hard work to find these horses.
“It’s harder now too, with so many good riders in Singapore and fewer horses.”
Of his seven rides on Sunday, Nunes is hoping for some nice barrier draws on Wednesday to keep his 2024-win tally ticking over.
“You can be on the best horse, but you need some luck at the barrier draw too,” said Nunes, who rode a double with Fearless Warrior and Quadcopter both saluting in Class 5 races over 1400m and 1200m respectively last Sunday.
“Smart Star (x Star Witness) has found the right race, in the SG$70,000 Class 3 race over 1600m, as he very much appreciates being back on the Polytrack. He can run on the turf too but is much better suited on this track.
“It’s a small field (of 7 nominations) but a good gate would be important from the 1600m start.
“A horse like Sousui (x Mikki Isle) could do with a nice gate too. He has been so consistent, so a nice barrier might make the difference in that open race (SG$50,000 Class 4).
“Lucky Warrior (x Hellbent) also looked like a winning chance in the SG$20,000 Open Maiden race.
“He ran very well (third) in the Restricted Maiden race (over 1200m on 28 July) last start, and I was happy with his trial the other day (finished second in trial no 3 to Saint Tropez on 8 August).
“I think Lim’s Shavano will be the danger but if we get a good gate, we should run well.”
Nunes knows whatever the result on Sunday, his 2024 premiership tilt is based on more than nine months of hard work.
“Like I said, it’s a whole year’s job, not just riding a winner or two on the weekend,” he explained.
“You have to manage the rides and liaise with the trainers and owners almost every day, especially when you don’t ride for just one stable.
“It would be great to win another Singapore champion jockey title for sure; especially as it will be the last one.
“But Bruno is riding so well and is a very good jockey. He has some very good stable backing him and he can ride light. So, he would ride more winners this season.
“It will go down to the wire for sure. Hopefully I can get the support needed and do my best to be in front come the last meeting.”
- Kranji first is due off at 06h30 on Sunday.
