Golden Monkey stands out in Singapore Derby

Luke Middlebrook

Singapore racing continues this Sunday for a 12-race fixture at Kranji Racecourse, highlighted by the running of the Group 1 Singapore Derby over 1800m.

Star four-year-old Golden Monkey is within reach of landing a first Group 1 trophy in the $400,000 feature event.

Trained by reigning champion trainer, Tim Fitzsimmons, Golden Monkey successfully turned the tables on top-rated four-year-old, Super Salute, in the Grade 2 Stewards' Cup last start, after finishing second to him in the G3 Silver Bowl prior. The removal of blinkers, coupled with a world-class (quieter) ride by top jockey Chad Schofield, look to be two significant factors contributing to Golden Monkey’s success.

While Golden Monkey stands out as the horse to beat with star Australian jockey Hugh Bowman flying in for the ride, there are a couple of contenders who could possibly steal the show, including multiple Group winner Super Salute, who has the class, and impressive debut winner Cavalry, who should relish the rise in distance second-up based on his overseas form.

Besides the Derby, the $110,000 Group 3 Singapore Golden Horseshoe is the other feature race, which will attract plenty of attention as the two-year-olds do battle.

Talented two-year-old Bakeel created a huge impression on debut three weeks ago when the son of Sioux Nation showed an explosive turn of foot in the straight to overhaul his rivals easily over this track and distance. Based on the strength of that win, he looks the standout from trainer Michael Clements’ four-horse brigade.

If there has to be a benchmark for all the contenders this week, the Stephen Crutchley-trained Silo would most likely be the one. The National Defence colt scored an impressive victory in a strong form race last time out and he has since trialled ideally, which holds him in good stead to continue his winning ways. -

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Leg 1: 2, 3, 4

Leg 2: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Leg 3: 1, 2, 4

Leg 4: 2, 9

SINGAPORE RACE ANALYSIS – 23 July 23

RACE 1

1st Pick: DANCING TYCOON (3)

Just the two runs so far in this grade including a nice second two starts ago. Seems to race well at the course and distance with a win and three minor placings.

2nd Pick: DELILAH (1)

Jumped from barrier to post last start to win in nice style when well supported in betting. She does rise sharply in weight, and she isn’t a big sized filly so tread with caution.

3rd Pick: BEAT THE LIGHT (9)

Comes into this off a nice third placing behind Red Roar. His best career performances have been at this course and distance and look for betting support.

4th Pick: GALAXY STAR (5)

Winner was far too speedy, and this gelding just didn’t have the sprint to keep in track with him. Still his record at this grade and at this surface is strong and willing to give him another chance.

RACE 2

1st Pick: BESTSELLER (1)

Finished in the money a few times during the three-year-old series and ran his heart out in each of those races. Has since trialed well and looked in tip top shape that morning.

2nd Pick: PACIFIC MV (7)

Formerly raced in Australia under The Price/Kent stable and has one win from eight starts. Looking at his breeding he is a half to the very speedy Wisdom Of Water who has black type form.

3rd Pick: SHOW ALL SIXTY-ONE (3)

Scored nicely on debut where he jumped well and sat up on the speed. This looks a bit tougher field, but he should take plenty of natural improvement second up.

4th Pick: CITY GOLD PEGASUS (6)

Arrives in Singapore with country NSW form from Australia with the one win at 1400m and three minor placings. Trials have been sharp and may be wise to follow any money.

RACE 3

1st Pick: SABAH STAR (1)

He has the best record at the course and trip including seven wins at the distance. Form has tapered off late but will relish the sharp drop-in class.

2nd Pick: SEE YAH (6)

Has had a stellar season at class five level and he finds division two this weekend where if he can run his best times, he can keep that winning streak flowing.

3rd Pick: PREDITOR (2)

Willing to give him another chance this weekend where he was just plain being beaten six lengths. This looks much easier on paper for the former Group 3 winner.

4th Pick: AMAZING BREEZE (3)

Classy galloper who likes to get back and storm home. His biggest demon is settling early and if they run the race to suit him, he gets his chance to run home late.

RACE 4

1st Pick: KNIPPENBERG (2)

Impressive winner at Novice level back in May and has since had a nice trial where he clocked 60.58. He has been mixing it with some our best young horses and looks set to mix it against an older field.

2nd Pick: CITY GOLD STAR (1)

Stable is going well in recent weeks and this gelding has mixed it on both turf and Polytrack surfaces. Liked his trial two weeks back and comes into this a leading chance.

3rd Pick: DANCING SUPREMO (4)

Has bounced between trainers back in Australia where he raced as ‘Nations Pride’. Has the one win to his name at 1400m at Werribee on a heavy surface. Watch betting.

4th Pick: DR KARDO (10)

Has been settling more up on the pace in recent starts and with a lightweight he can be a key player. One for the multiples.

RACE 5

1st Pick: QUADCOPTER (1)

Always dangerous when he drops back in this class. His last win was around this rating, and he has a great record over this course and distance. Class horse in the field.

2nd Pick: PACIFIC WARRIOR (2)

Should be the pace influence in the race. Has been met heavily in the betting at his last few runs and will be there at the business end if he gets it his way early.

3rd Pick: WINNING STRIDE (9)

Didn’t have any excuses last start over this track and distance and finds himself in a nice ratings race where his best can deliver a surprise. Should settle just off the pace early.

4th Pick: KICK (4)

Hasn’t been beaten far at his last two starts where has finished behind Lim’s Straight on both occasions. Just seems to be peaking on his runs but if he can dig and find a length or two can be considered.

RACE 6

1st Pick: SILO (4)

Debut win and recent trials have been very impressive. Not only does he look a nice horse for the future but has arguably been the standout 2yo so far. Horse to beat.

2nd Pick: BAKEEL (1)

Won last start from a wide gate with energy in the tank. Should improve off that run and be among the winning chances here, each way.

3rd Pick: JUNE (12)

Was running through the line incredibly well start, he was just too far back to make an impression. On the quick back up with a race day start in the legs, has claims.

4th Pick: GREATHAM BOY (3)

Won very well from a wide gate and can impress here again. Hoping to see him take it to another level as he gets out onto to the grass for the first time, top four chance.

RACE 7

1st Pick: EASY BREEZY (4)

Made up good ground to run third last start and comes into this with a good weight swing on Pacific Star who dead heated. Steadied throughout the run on a couple occasions so had a couple excuses. Expecting a big run.

2nd Pick: PACIFIC STAR (2)

Ran well last start to dead heat and earned 5 handicap points for the win. Carries an extra 2.5kg but the win had plenty of upside and it wouldn’t be shocked to see him repeat.

3rd Pick: ENGINE START (8)

Originally nominated for the Derby but decides to head here instead and this looks a much more achievable target. Gets a nice weight and has proven at this track and trip.

4th Pick: SACRED JUDGEMENT (1)

Has won his last two starts and proven last run that the initial win wasn’t a fluke. Racing well at the moment and although he carries 59kg, he gets another chance to win at class 4, respect.

RACE 8

1st Pick: RAMBO (6)

Returns up to class 3 following a super win down in class. Although he goes to another level, he drops significantly in weight and recent performances suggest he is up to tackling this grade, each way.

2nd Pick: TANGIBLE (2)

Drops way back in class here for this race. Hasn’t been seen at this class for a good while and although he hasn’t won for a good while, the last time at this grade saw him win comfortably, respect.

3rd Pick: TRUMPY (3)

Rarely runs a bad race despite only having one once in Singapore. Aided by Hugh Bowman who replaces Chad Schofield this weekend after being held up at a vital stage last start. Working his way towards a win.

4th Pick: REAL EFECTO (4)

Winner of his last two who came from a mile back to win well last start. Winning form deserves plenty of respect, a good chunk of these haven’t won for a while.

RACE 9

1st Pick: FIGHT ON (2)

Looked the winner everywhere but the finish line behind Rambo who stormed from last to win impressively first up. This gelding has held his own in this grade and looks the one they must beat.

2nd Pick: CITYGOLDGENERATION (3)

Ran good time when winning his maiden last month beating his stablemate. Should improve second up here and will take the benefit of a solid trial between runs.

3rd Pick: HOLE IN ONE (5)

Stable have always had an opinion of him. Not seen at the races since March where he was only one length off the winner. Maybe now a more matured horse can improve here.

4th Pick: POPEYETHESAILORMAN (11)

Still struggling to claim that first victory but he would have one of the strongest maiden profiles here in Singapore. If he runs to his career best can finish in the money.

RACE 10

1st Pick: MR BLACK BACK (5)

Given an easy trial on Tuesday and once again should be sent forward by Manoel Nunes who is one for one on the galloper. Won’t be alone up front but has the class to stick on.

2nd Pick: PACIFIC EMPEROR (10)

Comes into this event off three super wins on the poly. Heads onto the grass for the first time in Singapore and for that reason, Mr Black Back has the slight advances. He will however, be up front pressuring and has a big chance to impact the race.

3rd Pick: CIRCUIT MISSION (6)

Returns to the easiest class of race he has contested in nearly 10 months after finishing only a few lengths off the winner in much higher grades. He is a two time winner at the distance and has been freshened up following the Kranji Mile.

4th Pick: RELENTLESS (9)

Hasn’t been seen at the races since March but returns as he prepares for longer distance races in the weeks and months ahead. Winner at the distance and drops in class from his most recent starts.

RACE 11

1st Pick: GOLDEN MONKEY (2)

Stewards Cup winner who proved that the extra shouldn’t be a concern if he shuts off in the run. Hopefully under the guidance of Hugh Bowman this weekend we can see him continue his recent form and run a good race.

2nd Pick: CAVALRY (4)

Coming into this slightly rushed having only one start over 1400m. Stable had the horse forward enough for that first race to run well and win. The jump out to 1800m should only improve the horse, each way contender.

3rd Pick: INVINCIBLE TYCOON (3)

Will relish the rise to 1800m this weekend as the distance should only increase his chance of getting the upper hand over the horses have beaten him in earlier legs of the series. A must for exotic plays.

4th Pick: SAINT TROPEZ (6)

Despite not showing his face in the first two legs, this is the race he has been set for. One could argue this needs at least 1800m so hopefully we see him go to another level now he has fitness in the legs, respect each way.

RACE 12

1st Pick: JANUARY (5)

Back to the races following a freshen up after the 3yo series. Last time at this distance, he won at G3 level against his own age group, can run well here.

2nd Pick: SABAH ACE (9)

Grass debut for this son of Swiss Ace who returned to run 4th beaten only 0.7 lengths. The margin and the placing tell two different stories, top three contender here with a light weight.

3rd Pick: STENMARK (3)

Has sat on the same mark for quite some time and has had a tendency of being slow away. The drop back to 1200m from 1400m will be welcomed and if he jumps, can win this easily.

4th Pick: KING ZOUSTAR (7)

Comes up in class but won in the class below never getting on the track at any stage. With a light weight and luck in running, he shouldn’t be too far away from the top three or four finishers.