3 minute read

Those wanting to question who is the best horse in Singapore have been left with one answer and one answer only — Debt Collector.

A win that had to be seen to be believed in the Raffles Cup [1600m], Debt Collector again reigned supreme when a class above in Sunday's Group 1 QEII Cup [1800m].

His fifth Group 1 success, Debt Collector is clearly back on track, much to the delight of many racing fans.

The 2016 Singapore Horse Of The Year, connections elected to take on the world, though Debt Collector was unable to showcase his best when safely held in the Group 1 Dubai Turf [1800m].

While not disgraced in two preparations following his return, Debt Collector was clearly not at his top, placing in just three of six attempts.

As a result connections elected to send him to Australia for a five month rejuvenation stay — a masterstroke.

Returning in August this year (294 day break), Debt Collector let out a fierce warning to his rivals when only narrowly edged out in the Group 3 Jumbo Jet Trophy [1400m].

Sent out the well supported favourite in the Group 1 Raffles Cup [1600m], Debt Collector didn't disappoint when storming home to score narrowly in the feature event.

In one of the more spectacular wins you'll see, the clock also backed up the strength of his performance.

Debt Collector recorded 44.24 seconds for his final 800m, averaged out he recorded 11.06 second furlongs — blistering speed.

More notably he recorded 1:07.36 for his final 1200m, the current track record for 1200m on the Long Course is 1:08.15 (Spalato - 2014).

Admittedly he hasn't recorded that from a standing start, nonetheless it highlights just how impressive his performance was.

A key sectional star, his effort was a clear new career peak and one that left him very well placed in Sunday's QEII Cup.

Able to be ridden a pair closer to the speed, the only surprising thing about his was win was his SP - $2.60 (started $2.20 in the Raffles Cup).

Travelling well under Michael Rodd, Debt Collector built into the race nicely before pulled the widest runner on straightening.

Letting down strongly, Debt Collector began to real in the leaders hitting the front inside the 200m.

Although wanting to wobble around a bit over the concluding stages, Debt Collector held his rivals at bay to score comfortably by a length.

When analysing the race sectionals, Debt Collector won the race between the 800m and the 400m, recording 22.77 seconds, easily the fastest of the race.

The elusive Triple Crown is next on the agenda for Debt Collector, can he do what no horse has done before? Can he win the Group 1 Singapore Gold Cup [2000m]?

Unlike the first two legs of the Triple Crown, the Singapore Gold Cup is a handicap, bringing about the downfall of many before him.

Superstar galloper War Affair remains the highest rated galloper to attempt the Triple Crown, but could only manage fifth in the final leg.

Post race I was convinced if War Affair couldn't complete the Triple Crown, no horse could.

Can Debt Collector? I say no, but we will wait and see.