By Alan Carasso
International racing returns to Singapore for the first time in over three years Saturday when the Singapore Turf Club plays host to the S$1.5-million Kranji Mile, the S$1-million Lion City Cup (1200mT) and the S$1-million Singapore Guineas (1600mT).
Hong Kong-based horses routinely shipped into Singapore during the days of the G1 Singapore Airlines International Cup and G1 KrisFlyer Sprint and won the last six renewals of those now-cancelled races combined. Lucky Nine (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) won the KrisFlyer back-to-back in 2015 and 2016 for trainer Caspar Fownes, who also annexed the 2010 edition with Green Birdie (NZ) (Catbird {Aus}). The conditioner is back in familiar environs this weekend with Southern Legend (Aus) (Not a Single Doubt {Aus}), who figures one of the favourites for the Mile. The 5-year-old, winner of five from 11 in Hong Kong, made all in defeating the likes of Pingwu Spark (NZ) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) and 'TDN Rising Star' and subsequent Group 1 winner Pakistan Star (Ger) (Shamardal) in a Class 1 over a mile in March (see below) and exits a solid third to Hong Kong Horse of the Year candidate Beauty Generation (NZ) (Road to Rock {Aus}) in the G1 Champions Mile Apr. 29. He has pole position in gate one with Zac Purton at the controls.
“Absolutely, he could lead,” the trainer told HKJC's David Morgan when prompted for race tactics. “I'm not worried about that at all, he's a fit horse. You'd be happy with barrier one almost any time–we're making our own luck now.”
WATCH: Southern Legend winning a Class 1 in HK in March
The capable Horse of Fortune (SAf) (Stronghold {GB}) also ships in for Tony Millard, while former Hong Kong galloper Circuit Land (Mizzen Mast)–now based in Singapore–earned his way into the Kranji Mile with a win over local Horse of the Year Infantry (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) in stakes company last time out.
The Mile also marks the local debut of four-time Group 1 winner Volkstok'n'barrell (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}), whose trainer Donna Logan recently opened her Kranji stables. Unraced since a third in the G1 Zabeel Classic (2000m) at Ellerslie on Boxing Day, he trialled well for this (video), but Craig Grylls will have to work out a trip from gate 11.
In the day's other features, the consistent Be Bee (NZ) (Showcasing {GB}), last year's champion 2-year-old, should give a good account of himself in the Guineas, while last year's top 3-year-old Countofmontecristo (NZ) (Echoes of Heaven {Aus}) will try to snap a four-race losing streak in the Lion City.
Officials at the Singapore Turf Club abruptly announced the cancellation of the jurisdictions two international Group 1s–the Singapore Airlines International Cup and KrisFlyer Sprint–in 2015. Saturday's races are a first step toward the official reintroduction of international racing in Singapore in 2019, when the Mile will carry prize money of S$3 million and the Lion City S$1.35 million.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
