3 minute read

A dogged performance in Sunday's Group 1 Patron's Bowl has capped a remarkable start to Spalato's 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 being 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 Sunday's affair was a completely different kettle of fish with the likes of both Stepitup and Johnny Guitar set to line up in the event.

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 quickly put under pressure by Stepitup before he quickly responded 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.

Having set a fair tempo out in front the overall time was easily the quickest of the day and more notably his closing sectional was marked inside standard.

Given it was the only Group 1 race held on the card it is no surprise to see such strong time figures being produced though it does help strengthen the piece of form, with little queries held over the performance.

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

The Group 1 Singapore Derby now appears the next step though question marks surround the likelihood of Spalato taking his place.

Both O'Hara and Nunes have queries over whether he can see out the Derby trip though the way he finished his race off over the mile we are of the opinion he can take the next step.

With the likelihood that he doesn't take his place, Stepitup is now at the forefront of that market along with Bendicion, Johnny Guitar and Super Ninetyseven if the latter is right to take his place in the feature event.

Although he has obviously had a number of issues in his short career there is no question Spalato possesses plenty of talent and we can only hope he remains intact in the future because he is a galloper definitely worth following.

Hideyuki Takaoka's progressive mare Thumping also caught the eye at Singapore on Sunday when breaking back into the winner's stall in the seventh event.

The second highest rated victor of the meeting the daughter of Any Given Saturday proceeded to take advantage of the drop back in grade when proving too good over 1400m.

Not overly suited by the slow tempo set out in front, Thumping displayed a sharp turn of foot in the straight when coming from beyond midfield to pick up the leaders before holding off a late charge from Cheetah On Fire.

Successful in notching up her fourth career victory to date the lightly raced four-year-old is likely to be seen at a mile at her next start and if placed in suitable company she is expected to take plenty of beating.

The Desmond Koh trained Southern Boss was the stand-out performer on Friday night when bringing up a hat-trick of wins in the sixth event.

Following up on his impressive performance two back the son of Blethcley Park has really responded well to be ridden more to be ridden more aggressively having led throughout at his past three starts.

While many felt Sand Lane would have his measure on Friday night out he simply proved too strong over the 1000m scamper.

Successful in bringing up his seventh victory from 20 career starts the now rising five-year-old is starting to develop quite the imposing record and has impressively improved 15 pounds at his last three starts.

While he has been up for a while, his form doesn't appear to be tapering off at this stage and he is worth sticking with at his next start.