3 minute read
The Laurie Laxon trained Mr Spielberg has progressed beautifully this preparation and now appears set to peak in this evening's Group 1 Singapore Gold Cup.
While many touted him as a leading contender in the feature race last year, Mr Spielberg failed to live up to expectations, though he was found to have a heart fibrillation issue.
Starting again, Mr Spielberg put the writing on the wall that he was back when finishing a close third behind Quechua in the Group 2 Chairman's Trophy [1800m].Given a short break [63 days] following that event, Mr Spielberg proceed to finish fifth in the Group 1 Kranji Mile behind Debt Collector.
Relishing the step up in trip at his next outing, Mr Spielberg closed off well finishing fourth behind Debt Collector in the Group 1 Raffles Cup [1800m].In what could only be described as a pedestrian speed early, the Raffles Cup was simply and walk and sprint home —this was emphasised with the last 600m of the race run over 12L inside standard.
The fact Mr Spielberg was able to finish within a length of Debt Collector indicates his ability to reel off a slick closing sectional and the return to handicap conditions helps swing the race firmly in his favour.Only 2.6L separated the field in the Raffles Cup (a length separating the first four), which isn't ideal from a form perspective, however it is still clearly the "A" form leading into this evening's feature.
Leading rider Vlad Duric sticks aboard and should be able to adopt a fairly prominent position from the inside draw.Duric possesses a solid record with the Laxon stable and has been riding in good form this season.
He has placed in two of three attempts over this distance range and Laxon is a master at setting his horses for their respective grand final.Dropping 4kg Mr Spielberg is clearly the weight horse and if able to repeat the level of his last start performance he is sure to be very hard to beat.
The Patrick Shaw trained Majestic Moments has finished second at four of his last six starts, two of which came in Group 1 company.He was very good finishing third behind Debt Collector two back in the Kranji Mile before simply outsprinted in the Raffles Cup last start.
While somewhat on trial at the trip he gives the impression it will suit and trust Shaw to have him spot on.A winner of seven of his 30 starts, he also possesses a great record at this track and from the good draw he looms as a major threat with Juglall sticking aboard.
The Cliff Brown trained Laughing Gravy hasn't been far off the mark in recent efforts and remains under strong notice with Rodd back aboard.Already a Group 1 winner, Laughing Gravy gets in very nicely at the weights and a return to his best form should see him right in the finish.
No question his best form has been achieved beyond the mile and he has drawn to receive all the favours.Laughing Gravy is unbeaten racing fourth up (three attempts) and has clearly been set for this.
Rodd strikes at 26 per cent with the Brown stable and he remains under strong notice.Of the rest the James Peters trained Titanium appears the next in line following his solid performance behind Debt Collector last start.
Admittedly he was safely held, however he is bred to relish the step up in trip and is more than capable on his day.He drops 5kg at the weights and with Harry Kasim sticking aboard (placed 10/20) he cannot be taken lightly.
Good luck and happy punting.