3 minute read

It takes more than sheer talent to win a Group 1 race at just a horses' third start and now the John O'Hara trained Spalato appears on track to notch up his second in Sunday's Group 1 Singapore Derby.

Having achieved what many felt was out of his reach in the Group 1 Patron's Bowl, Spalato was quick to cap off a remarkable start to his short career having tasted success at the highest level at just his third start.

First transferred to Singapore from New Zealand at the back end of 2012 following some solid trial performances, it is understood the son of Elusive City was held back from making his debut due to some bone chips requiring to be removed.

Stepping out on debut as a four-year-old back in May, Spalato proceeded to space his rivals by over nine lengths before repeating the dose at his next start when saluting by over four lengths in Class 4 company.

Though highly impressive on both occasions, there was no question The Patron's Bowl was a completely different kettle of fish with the likes of both Stepitup and Johnny Guitar in the line up.

On bare form Spalato had close to 15 pounds to find on his two more proven rivals, though much like the improvement shown between his first and second start, the promising galloper proceeded to make the meteoric rise.

Displaying sharp gate speed from the onset, Manoel Nunes quickly took up the running aboard Spalato with Stepitup and Johnny Guitar hotly on his heels.

Though travelling strongly rounding the turn for home he was put under pressure by Stepitup before quickly responding, kicking back on the inside to hold his more seasoned rival at bay.

While only the barest of margins it was more than enough to see both John O'Hara and Manoel Nunes collect their first Group 1 victories in Singapore.

Proceeding to improve 16 pounds on his previous career best there is no question Spalato is a galloper of plenty of promise and does appear to have more in store in the future.

By taking a line through Stepitup who has wavered little in his performance ratings this time in, it helps to not only hold the form of the Patron's Bowl but also pushes the claim that Spalato is of the top echelon.

With a field of 16 set to contest the feature event, at set weights the race can be narrowed down to four leading chances - Spalato, Stepitup, Johnny Guitar and Bendicion.

These gallopers were the first four across the line in the Patron's Bowl and that does appear the superior formline as while there are a few other gallopers who have caught the eye in lesser company, the above four appear to hold a distinct class edge.

Bred to be a sprinter Spalato's latest performance suggests he can run out the Derby trip if the race is run to suit.

Forced to lead in the Patron's Bowl, Nunes isn't expected to adopt similar tactics on Sunday as he should be better suited by taking a sit just off the speed.

Though a full field there doesn't appear to be a whole lot of speed engaged and Spalato is expected to be right up near the lead.

While obviously if the race is run as a true staying test, Spalato will be tested though on paper the race doesn't appear to be run that way.

If only run at a moderate tempo it should allow Spalato to display his sharp turn of foot and given he is likely to be up near the speed, it will make it very hard for his rivals to run him down if spotting him a start upon entering the straight.

Hideyuki Takaoka has won the Singapore Derby twice in the past five years (Better Life '13 & Jolie's Shinju '09) and looks to have strong claims this year with improving mare Bendicion.

One of few gallopers who is proven at the trip having finished third behind Wild Geese in the Group 2 QEII Cup, the daughter of Black Tide really caught the eye late in the piece in the Paton's Bowl and appears set to relish the step up in trip.

With the mare's allowance she does rate very well on Timeform weight adjusted ratings and if Spalato is unable to see out the trip she is expected to be right there to take full advantage.

Both Stepitup and Johnny Guitar appear the next in line with both gallopers boasting form good enough to win on Sunday.

Johnny Guitar looked to be crying out for the step up in trip when simply outsprinted in the Patron's Bowl last start and his trial in the lead up suggests all is in good order.

Despite a previous victor over 2000m, still not convinced Stepitup can stay the trip but it's hard to ignore his last start performance and while drawn wide he is expected to be right around the mark.

Good luck and happy punting.