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Singapore Racing Weekend Review - 29th and 31st of August

3 minute read

World class jockey Joao Moreira has confirmed why he is one the best, saluting in 11 of his 37 rides during his short stint in Singapore.

Back for only four meetings, Moreira embarked on a quick hit and run mission before his return to Hong Kong racing.

The undisputed champion jockey of Singapore, Moreira holds the record for the most wins in a season (206) and secured four straight jockey titles (2010 to 2013) before relocating to Hong Kong in October last year.

Joao Moreira Picture: Racing and Sports

Wasting little time stamping himself as one Hong Kong's leading riders, Moreira notched up 97 wins last season, including two at Group 1 level.

Unseen at Kranji since the Singapore International Cup weekend in May, Moreira's return was highly anticipated.

Before his departure to Hong Kong, Moreira was infamous for significant market shifts, often sometimes against obvious formlines.

From 37 rides, Moreira only rode four horses that were priced greater than 5-1, two started greater than 10-1.

Moreira rode 24 favourites and was successful aboard eight, placing on a further 11 occasions — eight of which finished second.

The star jockey ended his recent stay in Singapore on a winning note, riding the Cliff Brown trained These Streets to victory in the final event on Sunday.

Golden Tomahawk

Golden Tomahawk Picture: Singapore Turf Club

The Shane Baertschiger stable is enjoying a good run of late and looks to have unearthed a very promising galloper in Golden Tomahawk.

Sent out the even money favourite for his debut, the son of Turffontein failed to disappoint when streaking his rivals in the second event.

Golden Tomahawk displayed good speed from the outset, settling in second under Matthew Kellady.

Travelling strongly, the three-year-old displayed a sharp turn of foot to hit the front on straightening.

Main danger Racer King was left flat-footed passing the 400m and was unable to make any impression on Golden Tomahawk, over the concluding stages.

Eased down at the finish, Golden Tomahawk won by over five lengths, with a further four lengths back to third.

These are very significant margins given the race was run at a moderate tempo early.

Stopping the clock at 58.79 seconds, further pushed the strength of Golden Tomahawk's performance.

An average maiden winner is close to nine lengths slower than this performance, highlighting Golden Tomahawk's above average ability.

Out of the four races held on the polytrack, Golden Tomahawks performance was the strongest, marked a length quicker.

He was the only winner to record a closing sectional inside standard and does look to have a bright future.

A La Victory

The Michael Freedman trained A La Victory also created interest, when saluting on debut in the sixth event.

Sent out the warm second favourite, A La Victory took full advantage of a moderate tempo, when proving too slick for his rivals over the concluding stages.

Kicking on strongly for champion jockey Joao Moreira, A La Victory went on to score by just under two lengths, with a further two lengths back to third.

While not as dominant as Golden Tomahawk, A La Victory remained one of two horses to record a closing sectional inside standard on the turf track.

The overall time was the third quickest of the day and he is expected to improve further with that race experience under his belt.

Given the slow early tempo, it was hard for A La Victory to win by a more significant margin, and he stays under strong notice for his second start.

Golden Sand Steed

Golden Sand Steed Picture: Singapore Turf Club

The Mark Walker trained Golden Sand Steed stole the show on Friday night when upstaging both Peace No War and Sand Lane in the sixth race.

Ridden patiently by apprentice jockey Zawari Razali, Golden Sand Steed stuck to the rail entering the straight and was simply too strong for his rivals.

Notching up his eighth win from 25 career starts the son of Pins continued his impressive record second up (5:4-1-0).

Despite recording a career peak, punters should be wary following Golden Sand Steed at his next start given his poor record third up.

In four attempts he is yet to win and has only placed on two occasions.

Faaltless

Faaltless Picture: Singapore Turf Club

One galloper to keep a very close eye on is the Shane Baertschiger trained Faaltless, who was scratched out of Friday's race after returning an elevated temperature.

His sole failure to date came over an unsuitable trip (1400m) and his sole defeat on the polytrack came behind star sprinter Emperor Max.

He is a galloper of above average ability and while his return has been delayed — there is no reason to drop off.