3 minute read

Just the sole meeting was held in Singapore last weekend with the standout performance very hard to miss.

Although only contesting a moderate maiden event, Michael Clements looks to have unleashed another highly promising galloper with three-year-old Tannhauser simply on another level.

Lining up at just his second career start, Tannhauser made a mess of his rivals saluting by 9.5L in the second event.

Not since the likes of Spalato have we seen such an impressive maiden victory.

The latter kicked off his career in May 2014, saluting by 9.8L before going on to win his next six starts including the Group 1 Singapore Derby [2000m].

Barring Rocket Man, Spalato still boasts two of the best sprint performances we have seen in Singapore.

Whether Tannhauser reaches those heights remains to be seen, however given what he achieved on Friday night, he is highly promising to say the least.

While not disgraced on debut back in November last year, Tannhauser looked a better horse having since received the ultimate gear change (gelded), while also undergoing a wind operation.

Given a sole trial in the lead up, Tannhauser put the writing on the wall and easily justified his solid market support ($2.60F).

Beginning well from one of the outside stalls, Tannhauser pressed on to take up the running, though was never able to find the fence.

Clicked up by Duric rounding the home turn, Tannhauser quickly put a space on his rivals and drew well clear over the final 200m.

Though quite wayward in the straight, Tannhauser couldn't have been any more impressive and the clock backed up the strength of his performance.

Comparing raw times is always fraught with danger, however given there was a BM97 race held on the same night, same distance, it is useful guide in helping to determine the level of performance.

Handy sprinter Good News took out the fifth event, marked only 0.07 seconds quicker than Tannhauser.

The BM97 race was run faster early (approx. 5L faster for the first 500m), however Tannhauser's closing sectional was approx. 4.5L faster and was marked approx. 7L inside standard.

To achieve such a feat at just his second start and notably first as a gelding is indicative of a supremely talented galloper.

The next test will be whether a) Tannhauser can repeat that level of performance against stronger company and b) whether or not he can translate that form over to the turf.

Either way it was no surprise to see trainer Michael Clements put forward the Group 1 Singapore Guineas [1600m] as a possible target following his success.

By Tavistock, Tannhauser is likely to be better over further and is sure to benefit with more racing under his belt, as he was green on Friday night.

Unbeaten stablemate Countofmontecristo has already been nicknamed the "Beast" by world class jockey Glen Boss.

While still early days, I'd like to get out on the front foot and label Tannhauser the "Maestro".