Give a Super Salute for Merlion Trophy

Luke Middlebrook

Singapore racing continues on Saturday featuring a 12-race turf and dirt fixture highlighted by the running of the Group 3 Merlion Trophy over 1200m on the Polytrack.

Talented five-year-old Super Salute is one of the leading chances in the feature event, which sees a field of 12 go to post.

Super Salute had been on a winning streak of seven before it came to an end five starts ago, finishing second in the Grade 2 Stewards’ Cup. The gelding performed admirably in his next five starts despite not winning, maintaining consistent form and even attaining a third place in the Grade 1 Singapore Derby.

Standing out as the highest rated horse, Super Salute is ideally placed under this week’s weight-for-age conditions, which presents him with a golden chance of returning to the winner’s enclosure.

However, the trophy won’t be served to him on a silver platter, with the likes of talented four-year-old Pacific Emperor and five-year-old Major King both capable of spoiling the party.

Pacific Emperor scored an eye-catching win over Super Salute last time, but only carried 52.5kg versus 59kg, so at level weights this week, it makes for an intriguing contest.

Tim Fitzsimmons-trained gelding Creative Dreams looks on track to break through when he contests the $20,000 Open Maiden race over 1400m.

Creative Dreams has been placed five times from eight starts, including four at his last five outings. A wide draw likely hindered his chances of winning his last start, when the Spieth gelding was forced to settle off the speed before letting down well to check into second over this track and distance, missing by only 0.75 lengths on the wire.

It appears to be a now-or-never opportunity for Creative Dreams to finally shed his maiden tag this week. He is up against a moderate field where most of his rivals should have been competing in Class 5 races.

Despite being a beaten favourite in his last outing, it is worth giving him another chance. - iRACE magazine

BEST BET

Race 12 No 8 SURREY HILLS

VALUE BET

Race 7 No 9 MAY

JACKPOT

R108

Leg 1: 1, 2, 3, 9

Leg 2: 1, 5, 7

Leg 3: 1, 5, 8

Leg 4: 1, 2, 8