By Alan Carasso
The prizemoney for Friday's featured 'open stakes' going the 1600 metres at Kranji Racecourse was a healthy S$125,000, but there was plenty more at stake for Debt Collector (NZ) (Thorn Park {Aus}). Singapore's reigning Horse of the Year was having his second run of the season, with a berth in the G1 Dubai Turf seeming likely with a positive performance. But the champion 4-year-old could do no better than third, as his progressive year-younger rival Jupiter Gold (Aus) (Congrats) spoiled the party.
A winner of five of his eight career trips to the post, Jupiter Gold was in receipt of seven kilos (15 pounds) from Debt Collector and raced in last position early on before improving by one spot, with only his chief market rival behind him down the back of the short course. With jockey Alan Munro looking over his right shoulder for Debt Collector's challenge, Jupiter Gold got first run, but the even-money second favorite had the move covered and loomed deepest, but traveling apparently well at the 400m. Jupiter Gold found himself sandwiched between 10-1 third choice Nova Strike (NZ) (Red Giant) and Debt Collector nearing the final furlong, but he dug in gamely and managed to find the wire a half-length to the good of Nova Strike (video). Debt Collector peaked on his run, drifting out with 50m to travel, and was found to be exhibiting signs of respiratory distress in a post-race veterinary exam. It was Debt Collector's first loss in nine starts since October 2015.
Winner of two of his five starts at two under the tutelage of trainer Hideyuki Takaoka, Jupiter Gold entered Friday's test on a three-race winning skein, including a 2 1/2-length success in his first try at a mile Jan. 29. He is penciled in for the Singapore 3YO Classic (1400m) Apr. 14 en route to the Singapore Guineas (1600m) May 14.
Bred by Vinery Stud and consigned by the farm to the 2015 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Jupiter Gold was hammered down to KS Research for A$130,000. A maternal grandson of MSW & G1SP Merry Shade (Aus) (Spectacular Sky) and from the family of the legendary sprinter Takeover Target (Aus) (Celtic Swing {GB}), Jupiter Gold's dam Contented (Aus) (More Than Ready) was sold for A$30,000 in foal to Vinery's Casino Prince (Aus) (Flying Spur {Aus}) at the 2015 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale. That produce, a colt, was knocked down for NZ$180,000 at the recently concluded NZB Select Yearling Sale. Contented foaled a colt by Waikato Stud's four-time Group 1 winner Sacred Falls (NZ) (O'Reilly {NZ}) in 2016.
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