Affleck – beaten again
With only Friday night hosting racing, it was left to the 3yo’s to produce the best race of the evening, writes Gareth Pepper from Singapore.
The 3yo Classic, the 2nd leg of the 3yo Series, run over 1400m boasted a strong line up including Affleck who was out to regain his crown after tasting defeat behind Kiwi Karma two weeks earlier.
From the jump, Spanish Bay was allowed to dictate and when the field swung for home, it looked like Affleck just had to produce his customary turn of foot and it would be race over.
However it was not to be and he was denied again, this time by the leader Spanish Bay who galloped on resolutely and under a well -judged ride by Ismail Saifudin.
Ran On
The burly son of Nadeem was gutsy and was the last to come under pressure and ran on strongly to the line for a much deserved victory.
Trainer Michael Freedman was over the moon with his bay galloper who doubled his career earnings and took his record to 7 runs, 4 wins and 2 seconds.
Affleck, second yet again, ran the fastest 400m to finish time and was game yet again. There were no excuses from the Laxon stable and both trainer and jockey were positive about the star galloper’s run.
Next up is the Guineas and fans of Affleck will be hoping he can finally redeem himself.
Speed Series
This Sunday sees the running of the Third Leg of the Sprinters series.
Zac Spirit looks very hard to oppose but he takes on a field that could produce the race of the season.
War Affair makes his eagerly awaited return and he has been setting the workout tracks alight. He has had two trials and both have been ultra- impressive! New pilot Alan Munro oozed confidence when chatting to reporters and the scene is set for a big return for the reigning horse of the year.
Adding some spice to the race is the 3yo filly Kiwi Karma who bypassed the Classic, after lowering the colours of Affleck just 3 weeks ago, as Michael Clements feels 1200m may just be her game.
It is a tough ask, but if she does well she could be headed for the Krisflyer Sprint on International day.
Emperoro Max and Faaltless also add some class to the race and it is an event not to miss.
Royal Stuff
The supporting feature this Sunday is the Queen Elizabeth 11 Cup, a 2000m WFA event.
This is a good line race and a dress rehearsal for the Singapore Airlines International Cup. It will provide a serious indication as to what local horses will take their place later in May and the field includes the likes of Quechua, Emperor’s Banquet and Slew of Lode from the Shaw yard, Stepitup and Marting From the Laxon stable and recent winner of the CECF Singapore Cup Parranda making her debut for Michael Freedman.
Classic
Gareth Pepper
The last feature on the day is the Gr3 Admiralty Classic run over a mile and this looks to be an ultra -competitive event too. Keep an eye on Hughsy. An up and coming individual who has really caught the eye of late with a decent trial, enormous track work and a scintillating victory in his most recent race.
He is on the up and looks to have his sights set on bigger targets this season.
Till next time.
