3 minute read

The Michael Clements trained Alibi reigned supreme in Sunday's Group 1 Patron's Bowl, digging deep to hold off the fast-finishing Elite Excalibur.

Somewhat under-rated leading into this campaign, Alibi has quickly stamped himself as one of the better horses in Singapore, clinching the first two legs of the 4YO series.

An impressive winner first up, Alibi went on to finish second behind Lim's Cruiser in the Group 1 Lion City Cup [1200m].

On that occasion, Alibi didn't have a lot of luck and arguably should have finished a lot closer.

In the Group 2 Stewards' Cup [1400m], Alibi enjoyed a far better run in transit, and duly saluted after he gave plenty when cut loose inside the 400m.

Stepping up to the mile for the first time on Sunday, Alibi travelled sweetly for Glen Boss, settled fourth (one out, one back).

Under a good hold on straightening, Alibi quickly ambled up to the lead, taking over inside the 300m.

Giving a good kick, Alibi drew clear of his rivals, before digging deep late to hold off the fast finishing Elite Excalibur.

Only lightly raced, Alibi has won seven of his 12 starts, missing the money just once in his career.

In what is just his second preparation, Alibi has clearly made good improvement and is certainly heading the right way.

At each start this time in, Alibi has raised the bar and returned a new career peak in Sunday's Patron's Bowl.

War Affair remains the highest ever rated winner of the Patron's Bowl with Alibi rated alongside past winners Super Easy and Ato.

Less than a length separated the first four across the line on Sunday, which presents an interesting predicament for punters moving forward.

The first two legs of the 4YO series have produced close finishes, however the final leg of the series, the Group 1 Singapore Derby [2000m] is another story, with the staying trip adding a new dimension, previously unseen by a number of the main contenders.

Alibi has been very good in winning the first two legs, however can he complete the clean-sweep?

No horse has ever clinched the Triple Crown and on current evidence, Alibi is likely to be vulnerable stepping up to 2000m.

The Cliff Brown trained Debt Collector failed to come into contention on Sunday, however the continued decision to settle at the rear has to be questioned.

Conceding more than 10L after 200m is not a satisfactory game plan and over the staying trip, surely they look to adopt a more prominent position.

As good as Debt Collector is, he can't defy physics. He performed admirably on the weekend but simply gave them too much start.

Stablemate Elite Excalibur was clearly the run of the race and at this stage appears the horse to beat in the Derby.

Settled a pair ahead of Debt Collector, he dropped the latter on straightening and really launched late to just miss.

A noted front-runner, it was a surprise to see Elite Excalibur settle that far back, however it was hard not to like his closing splits.

Formerly trained in Australia [Old Name: River Wild], Elite Excalibur is certainly a talent and will have no concerns with the step up in trip.

On best form he appears well placed and given how well he performed on Sunday, he appears on track to make his presence felt in the Derby — stick with him.