3 minute read
Singapore HOTY Debt Collector returns home following a fair performance in Dubai when pitted against some of the best in the world.
Although failing to come into contention, Debt Collector was not disgraced finishing ninth in the Group 1 Dubai Turf [1800m].
No question he was thrown completely in the deep-end and is far better suited back home, against his own age group — Group 2 Stewards' Cup [1400m].The average Timeform winning rating for the Dubai Turf in the last five years is 130.
To place that into perspective, Winx, the highest rated turf horse in the world is rated 133.Although this year's result was quite a boil-over, both Ribchester (3rd) and Zarak (4th) have since confirmed the form.
Ribchester demoralised his rivals in the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury over the weekend, while Zarak was only narrowly edged out in the Group 1 Prix Ganay [2100m] behind Cloth Of Stars.In summary, Debt Collector's performance shouldn't have dented his reputation, at his best he is still the highest rated horse in Singapore.
Off the scene for 64 days, Debt Collector has been given the sole trial in the lead up and appears poised to sprint well fresh.Debt Collector has only tasted defeat once over 1400m and is all class.
Under the set weights conditions, he rates clear when assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings and has drawn to receive all the favours.While likely to get back in the small field, he shouldn't concede too big a start and no doubt Michael Rodd will be very wary where main danger Lim's Cruiser settles.
In what shapes as a race in two, expect Debt Collector to come out on top.Emerging sprinter Lim's Cruiser stamped himself as one of the best in the land following his dominant success in the Group 1 Lion City Cup [1200m] and looms as a major threat.
An impressive winner first up in the Group 3 Rocket Man Sprint, Lim's Cruiser proceeded to take that next step when notching up his first Group 1 success.Stable star Emperor Max bled, however take nothing away from Lim's Cruiser, his performance was very impressive.
Ridden by Danny Beasley, Lim's Cruiser enjoyed all the favours along the rails with both Wimbledon and Emperor Max setting a solid clip (23.60 seconds first 400m).Sticking to the fence on straightening, Lim's Cruiser didn't go around a horse and enjoyed a saloon passage up the inside.
Travelling boldly, Lim's Cruiser burst through in-between Emperor Max and Wimbledon, hitting the front shortly after.The Ricardo Le Grange trained Storm Troops briefly loomed up on the outside, however once cut loose, it was all over with Lim's Cruiser asserting his dominance over the concluding stages.
Despite only saluting narrowly first up, Lim's Cruiser looked to win with a bit in hand and he confirmed that notion in the Lion City Cup.Lim's Cruiser performance saw him return a Timeform rating of 109p — a new career peak for the son of Casino Prince.
Arguably Singapore's most prestigious event, the Group 1 Lion City Cup boasts quite an honour roll, headed by Singapore's best ever - Rocket Man (2009 - 2012).Other notable victors of the event include: Zac Spirit (2014 & 2016), War Affair (2015) and Super Easy (2013).
While currently not in the same ballpark as the above, Lim's Cruiser is clearly heading the right way, in what is just his second preparation in Singapore.Both Storm Troops (3rd) and Forever Young (4th) have since franked the form out of the Lion City Cup and Lim's Cruiser is sure to be very hard to beat from the gun draw.
The Alvin Tan trained Infantry drops back in trip following his success in the Group 3 Moonbeam Vase [1800m] and has to be kept safe.Clearly back in great order this time in, Infantry possesses solid course and distance credentials and is expected to be right around the mark with Nunes sticking aboard.
Of the rest the Michael Clements trained Alibi appears the next in line following a game effort behind Lim's Cruiser in the Lion City Cup.An impressive winner first up, Alibi has too returned in great order and is sure to appreciate the step up in trip.
Leading rider Glen Boss sticks aboard and he cannot be underestimated.Good luck and happy punting.