3 minute read

The Michael Clements trained Alibi returned in a big way on Friday night and was one of the stand-out performances of the weekend.

One of the more promising gallopers in Singapore, Alibi really impressed during his maiden preparation, having won on debut back in March last year, before going on to finish second in the Group 3 SAAS Fee Stakes [1400m] in October.

Sent out favourite in the Group 2 EW Barker Trophy [1400m] prior to a break, Alibi wasn't disgraced when finishing a close fifth behind fellow emerging sprinter Lim's Cruiser.

Alibi

Off the scene for 133 days, Alibi was sent out the well supported favourite and duly saluted in the third event.

With just the sole trial under his belt, Alibi returned to the races 11kg heavier than last scene, however it proved little concern.

Ridden by regular rider Vlad Duric, Alibi stalked the speed from the outside stall, with the James Peters trained Grand Cross setting a solid tempo (24.00 seconds first 400m).

Travelling strongly behind Constant Justice, Duric eased three wide passing the 400m with Alibi quickly looming up to the lead.

Under a good hold Alibi hit the front approaching the 200m, before really asserting his authority late.

Drawing away to score by two lengths, Alibi returned a new career peak, improving six pounds on his previous best.

Unsurprisingly he was comparatively marked the fastest winner of the night and was close to 3L inside standard for his final 600m.

To return in such style suggests Alibi is in for a bumper preparation and is on track to make his presence felt in the 4YO series.

The Group 1 Lion City Cup [1200m] has been mentioned as a possible target and while a sharp step up in grade, he is clearly heading the right way.

At this stage trainer Stephen Gray looks to hold all the aces with stable stars Emperor Max and Lim's Cruiser likely to head that way.

Not seen since finishing second in the Lion City Cup last year, no question Emperor Max is the benchmark and if anywhere near his best, he looks to set a lofty standard.

Nonetheless Alibi is certainly one to follow through to the 4YO series as he is definitely a horse with more wins in store.

Not many horses achieve what he did in his maiden preparation and the fact he has returned better than ever, he is certainly one to place in your blackbook.

Could Be Pearls

The Cliff Brown trained Could Be Pearls really impressed on Sunday evening when proving too good in the final event.

A very impressive winner first up, Could Be Pearls proceeded to take that next step when relishing the step up to 1400m.

Ridden patiently by Michael Rodd, he again timed his run to perfection when only taking over late in the piece.

Successful in notching up the hat-trick, Could Be Pearls is clearly a horse heading the right way and remains open to further improvement when seen at a mile and possibly beyond.

His closing splits were slick and indicative of a very promising type, we suggest you stick with him.