3 minute read
The shock withdrawal of War Affair robbed Singapore racegoers of one of the most anticipated clashes in recent memory with Spalato left with limited opposition in the Jumbo Jet Trophy.
Unfortunately a minor injury prevented War Affair from lining up in the Group 3 event, with trainer Alvin Tan not willing to risk his star galloper.
War Affair reportedly damaged some soft tissue in the suspensory of his fetlock to the near foreleg, an injury he had not succumb to previously and while not serious, he was rightfully withdrawn.
As a result Spalato was left the raging $1.10 favourite and while the bare margin was only 1.5L, the race was over as soon as they jumped.
While not the best into stride, Spalato quickly recovered to take up the lead along the inside, with three-year-old Excellent One parking on his back in second.Allowed to stride freely passing the 1100m, Spalato quickly established a two length lead on his rivals.
Under a vice like grip passing the 800m, Spalato drew further in front and opened up a five length margin passing the 700m.Shaken up inside the 300m, Spalato was in a race of his own and was eased down over the final furlong with Darci Charmer working home well to finish second.
An effortless display, one questions whether War Affair would have in fact beaten his rival had he taken his place.The Group 3 Jumbo Jet Trophy has proven a great race over the years, with a number of Singapore's stars on the honour roll.
Mr Big won the race two years ago, with Super Easy, Captain Obvious, Better Than Ever and Waikato also a distinct part of the race's history.Super Easy remains the highest rated winner of the event, with Spalato's performance seeing him return a Timeform rating of 116.
While not up to his best, it was quite evident we didn't see the bottom of him on Sunday and hence he remains open to good improvement leading into the Group 1 Kranji Mile.There were whispers we could see Spalato down under, however those plans have since been shelved with the star galloper to remain in Singapore.
War Affair remains on ice for the time being, however it is becoming more and more likely that the two could meet in the feature mile event.Given War Affair has sustained a setback, it looks well and truly advantage Spalato, however one can't help to think as once they get out over further it could swing the race back in War Affair's favour.
Time will tell, however the sooner the two meet the better as it is sure to be a fantastic contest!
The Stephen Gray trained Newlands continued his upwards spiral, when dominating his rivals in the third event on Sunday.
Having broken through for his maiden win at his third start, the son of Mugharreb went on to finish a game second two back, before springboarding off that mark over the weekend.The half-brother to handy galloper Twickenham, Newlands overcame a wide run throughout to post a most impressive win.
Displaying a key glimpse of his staying ability, Newlands appreciated the fast early tempo and proceeded to power away at the finish.Overall he recorded the quickest time of the meeting, marked close to five lengths superior to his rivals.
As a result Newlands returned time figures ahead of the bare form and hence is definitely a galloper worth following.His performance on the weekend suggests he will only get better over further, however some caution should be taken as he will require a race with decent tempo to display his best.
Mr Spielberg
Recording 91.08 seconds for the first 1400m, they were marked 48L slower than the final event of the night, a Class 4 event.
Proceeding to then zip home, they recorded the fastest last 600m of the meeting - 33.92 seconds.The first two across the line, Perfect P and Snitzel Spirit clearly received all the favours, with question marks surrounding the form moving forward.
We are confident Mr Spielberg is the horse to take out the event and he remains a decent Singapore Gold Cup chance.He hasn't had the best of luck at his past two starts and a win doesn't appear far away, we suggest you stick with him.
