3 minute read

History can often provide a window into the future, with star galloper War Affair attempting to defy it in the 2014 Group 1 Singapore Gold Cup.

No horse has ever clinched the triple crown (Kranji Mile, Raffles Cup and Singapore Gold Cup) in a calendar year - a feat War Affair is in-line to achieve.

Star galloper Better Than Ever was the last to attempt the triple crown, having won both the 2010 Kranji Mile and Raffles Cup, before pulling up with issues in the Gold Cup.

Interesting to note, Better Than Ever was also four at the time and was allotted 60kg in the Gold Cup — two kilograms more than War Affair.

Both gallopers possess very similar profiles, though War Affair lines up in the Singapore Gold Cup [2200m] rated three pounds higher than Better Than Ever.

A dominant victor of the Kranji Mile two back, War Affair took the next step in the Raffles Cup [1800m], when streaking his rivals by almost five lengths.

The most dominant display ever witnessed in the Raffles Cup, War Affair's performance surpassed that of Better Than Ever, recording a Timeform rating of 123+.

In just his second attempt beyond a mile, War Affair was simply electric, reeling off a closing sectional close to 15 lengths inside standard.

War Affair averaged 11.09 second 200m sections for his last 800m, 0.13 seconds quicker than what he produced in the Kranji Mile.

More notably his last 1200m was marked just 0.20 seconds slower than Spalato, further emphasising the strength of his performance.

War Affair's previous career peak (Singapore Guineas) was achieved fourth up last preparation — suggesting his best is still yet to come.

Following a similar ratings profile, we can expect War Affair to improve again this evening — a scary proposition for his rivals.

In what will be just his third attempt beyond a mile, the step up to 2200m should pose no concerns.

Rising to 58kg obviously remains War Affair's biggest obstacle, with more than half the field allotted 50kg.

In what is easily his toughest test to date, the son of O'Reilly is expected to rise to the occasion.

Despite the hefty weight impost, War Affair still rates clear using Timeform weight adjusted ratings.

The fact he is also expected to improve further leading into this affair - sees him set a very loft standard.

Drawn wide in both the Kranji Mile and Raffles Cup, in-form jockey Danny Beasley rode War Affair in fine fashion — ensuring the star galloper relaxed and settled well.

Forced to travel wide throughout, proved little concern as Beasley took the initiative to not get too far back and always kept the leaders firmly in his sights.

On both occasions War Affair was simply a class above, the fact he was able to do so off a wide-run further strengthened his performance.

This evening, War Affair has again drawn wide but should roll forward and settle just off the speed.

With the big weight Beasley will not want to expose War Affair too early, and save him up for a final burst in the straight.

History cannot be taken lightly in any context, however War Affair is the highest rated galloper to ever attempt the triple crown, leaving him as clearly the one to beat.

Improving galloper Quechua appears the main threat, having continued to raise the bar with each start in Singapore.

Though out of the handicap, his prior form in Argentina sees him the second highest rated galloper, using Timeform weight adjusted ratings.

Drawn outside War Affair, Corey Brown is likely to roll forward as Quechua's best form has been achieved when ridden just off the speed.

His pull in the weights (8kg) is significant and should see him right around the mark.

The Laurie Laxon trained Stepitup and Goodman appear the next in line, with both coming into the event off similar ratings.

In his first start for the Laxon camp, Stepitup hit the line solidly behind War Affair and appears back on track to reach his peak form.

If able to run up to his best, he isn't rated far off War Affair using Timeform weight adjusted ratings and must come into consideration, especially as he wears blinkers for the first time.

Goodman stuck on well behind War Affair in the Raffles Cup last start and will have no concerns with the step up in trip.

Leading Australian based rider Craig Newitt links aboard for the first time and is expected to press forward from the gun draw.

War Affair has already defeated Goodman on five occasions, however with his distinct pull in the weights (5kg), Goodman gets his best chance to defeat the star galloper.

Veteran gallopers Flax and Lizarre are both capable and with a bit of luck in running, they too can fight out the finish.

Enjoy a wonderful race.