Lightning to strike again in G1 Lion Cup

Luke Middlebrook

Champion galloper Lim's Lightning looks all set to defend his title for the second year when he contests the Grade 1 Lion City Cup over 1200m at Kranji Racecourse on Sunday.

With a record of six wins from seven starts last year, Lim's Lightning has become the reigning Horse Of The Year. After finishing sixth at his first start this year, when he clearly needed the run, the gelding returned to his best last time out when defeating a top-class field to claim the $1m Group 1 Kranji Mile – his fourth Group 1 victory following last year’s Lion City Cup, Raffles Cup and Singapore Gold Cup.

Lim's Lightning is well prepared with three trials since his last start in mid-May and stands out as the horse to beat under this week’s weight-for-age conditions.

Other chances include stablemate and this year’s Singapore Derby winner Lim's Kosciuszko, who remains undefeated from six starts over this track and distance, and Tim Fitzsimmons’ up-and-coming four-year-old Golden Monkey, who proved too good for his peers in the recent Three-Year-Old series. Trainer Donna Logan’s thriving sprinter King Arthur also looks worthy of measuring up.

Elsewhere, promising four-year-old Major King in on track for a second career win in the $75,000 Novice race over 1400m. Major King was heavily supported to score an easy win on debut in mid-June before finishing a solid third in the Grade 2 Three-Year-Old Classic over 1400m at his second start.

The gelding finished ahead of some horses whose ratings were higher than him, suggesting he has plenty of upside. In addition, the form has been franked with fourth place getter Gold Ten Sixty-One scoring a subsequent win in Class 4 last weekend.

Fitzsimmons (38 wins) holds a slender lead over Donna Logan who’s hot on his heels with 37 wins on the trainers’ ladder while Brazilian ace Manoel Nunes (58 wins), who is side-lined through injury, has a 30-win lead over CC Wong (28 wins) for champion jockey.

BEST BET

Race 11 No 1 Lim's Lightning

VALUE BET

Race 5 No 2 Fighter

JACKPOT

R16

Leg 1: 1, 3, 4, 9

Leg 2: 1, 4

Leg 3: 1

Leg 4: 1, 3

SINGAPORE RACE ANALYSIS – 14 Aug 22

RACE 1

1st Pick: THUNDER (1)

Lines up for his class five debut and from our leading stable this season. Hasn’t won since November of last year but as he gets a bit older will appreciate the sharp drop-in class.

2nd Pick: FIGHTING HERO (2)

Scored a well-deserved win last start under a peach ride from Daniel Moor. That win came on this same course and return to the winner’s stall looks well in his reach.

3rd Pick: AUSPICIOUS DAY (10)

Given a nice steer from one of our leading apprentices in Jerlyn Seow who has partnered this galloper for a while now. Gets back into this with another light weight and racing in a rare patch of form.

4th Pick: ALEXANDER (5)

Has been a placegetter at his last two starts in this grade. Nearly a month between runs and his career best stats can see him figure in the top four placings. Watch for support.

RACE 2

1st Pick: BRUTUS (1)

He comes into this weekend off a rating of 65 the same rating he last won at back in March of this year when he beat Vgor who has since won. Has shown good early speed in the past. Shinn in the saddle a big bonus.

2nd Pick: FADABOY (4)

Beat his stablemate in a close finish at maiden level last start. The runner up has since placed again and it always a big ask to win up in grade at their second start, but he looks to have some ability this guy. Gets in well on the weights after the claim.

3rd Pick: SACRED JUDGEMENT (2)

Had to settle for second place last start behind the veteran in Preditor. Drops back in distance where he boasts two wins from nine starts at this track and distance.

4th Pick: NO MORE DELAY (3)

Seems to have dropped off in form since leaving the Meagher camp. Has shown in the past he has an engine and him causing an upset here would not be a surprise to those who have seen him win.

RACE 3

1st Pick: MALIBU BEACH (1)

Was a scratching race morning last time he was entered. Comes here with very strong class five stats and has won at the mile along with a string of minor placings. He looks the one to beat.

2nd Pick: MAGNIFICENT GOLD (2)

Loves racing in this grade and put together a few wins earlier this year. From the leading stable has had two trials since his freshen up. Watch for betting support.

3rd Pick: SUN ACE (5)

Boldy faced galloper who likes to set a nice tempo and give them something to chase. Holds a very strong course and distance record with three wins from seven starts. Could be value.

4th Pick: KHAO MANEE (9)

Just a one-time winner from 18 starts. Showed some potential last start when finishing third behind Born To Win over this same distance. Can add some value to the exotics.

RACE 4

1st Pick: SABAH STAR (2)

Recent win at the grade and distance was an impressive performance to say the least. Back to the turf looks a plus.

2nd Pick: FROM THE NAVY (6)

Despite the fact he was in class 3 last start, this is his first attempt at the grade on turf. Will have to work early to find the top but if he gets the lead, he should be there for a long way.

3rd Pick: SONGGONG HERA (5)

Back down to class 3 and was far from disgraced in superior company last start, top three chance.

4th Pick: SPEEDY MISSILE (7)

Racing in consistent form and this looks the ideal time to be contesting a class 3 race with absolutely no weight on his back, keep safe in exotics.

RACE 5

1st Pick: WECANDO (11)

Gets in once again with a very light weight. Closed off well late last start but unfortunately lets its run just a tad too late. Rider booking crucial, great on back markers. Respect.

2nd Pick: LIM'S CRAFT (5)

Just nosed out by Summer Wind last start. On the clock, it ran superior to most of these other horses in recent times so respect again here.

3rd Pick: DANCING TYCOON (6)

Yet to tick the 1400m box but looks to be a horse with plenty of ability. With a bit of luck in running, a top three finish would not shock.

4th Pick: KARISTO (1)

Downgrades and carries top weight here this weekend. Returns to turf which looks a plus and should find a nice spot in running from the draw.

RACE 6

1st Pick: MAJOR KING (2)

Classy youngster who won his maiden in nice style at his debut start. Next run they had a crack at a Group Two event where he hit the line strongly for a minor placing. Looks one of the leading contenders here.

2nd Pick: TRIDENT (4)

Has collected two wealthy cheques at his last two starts including a win and a minor placing. Seems to handle the distance with no issues and has trialed nicely between runs.

3rd Pick: MONTANA FLASH (3)

Went around as a very short priced favorite and saluted on raw ability over this distance last start. Should continue to improve as he rises over the distances and has the potential to go back-to-back here.

4th Pick: STREET OF DREAMS (6)

Caught the eye running second last start behind Mariana trench at maiden level last start. This is a tougher field, but the gelding procedure looks to have straightened him out and sharpen him up.

RACE 7

1st Pick: GOLDEN TIGER (5)

Looked to be a winning chance last start until he rolled out and collected most of the field along the way and lost his placing on protest. If he can straighten up and hit the line again like last time, he is right in this.

2nd Pick: EXCEED NATURAL (1)

Finds his way into the easier division of this race. His last two starts have resulted in two minor placings. It has been a long time since he greeted the judge first and could get his chance this weekend.

3rd Pick: SEE YAH (2)

Although his best performances have come on the long course, he does have nice figures around here too. Could not beat the leader in Auspicious Day last start but works his way into an easier division this weekend.

4th Pick: EASYLIGHTS (9)

Comes here off a very low rating and in doing so will be advantaged by a lightweight. Caught the eye running second last start over this distance and could hold each way claims with a return to that performance.

RACE 8

1st Pick: BOOMBA (4)

Returns from G1 company to a very winnable race in class 4. Looks the horse to beat on paper with Duric riding from gate 1. Looks the likely favorite here.

2nd Pick: GREEN STAR (1)

Consistent performer who gets weight relief thanks to the apprentice who has won on him recently. Big danger.

3rd Pick: BINGO MASTER (6)

Recently contested group level racing as well and has been running okay of late to consider as a potential threat. Light weight could be a big help.

4th Pick: BE YOU (3)

Bucked just after the start again and failed to finish the race. If he is on his best behavior this weekend, a top three placing wouldn’t surprise.

RACE 9

1st Pick: SO HI CLASS (7)

Blinkers applied here and drops weight for this weekend’s assignment. The rise to a mile should only improve his chances to claim back to back victories.

2nd Pick: BIG HEARTED (4)

First up run was impressive. 1200m was way too short for him last start, but the way in which he closed off late suggests he has a big preparation ahead, do not overlook.

3rd Pick: SPIRIT OF BIG BANG (11)

Low weight here and despite not winning, has been running consistently well having been runner up his last three starts. Could surprise here.

4th Pick: SACRED CROIX (1)

Another that you cannot overlook this weekend. Should get back in the field but there looks enough speed on paper to see a horse like him flashing late in the piece. Recent form is good enough to be winning this.

RACE 10

1st Pick: CHARMINTON (4)

He has done everything right at his three starts to date. Had to step up against experienced gallopers last start and stepped up nicely with a strong minor placing. Goes close here.

2nd Pick: PATTAYA (1)

Drops back in class where he was last successful in back in March of this year beating Diamond Beauty. Holds a strong track and distance record and will be well supported.

3rd Pick: AUGUSTANO (3)

Now an eight-year-old who is a former nine-time winner. Was beaten two lengths behind Chicago Star last start and his best early form can see him upsetting these in the finish.

4th Pick: ZYGARDE (7)

Was well beaten by Paletas earlier last month over this distance. That winner has since won and brings nice form lines to this race. Each way claims at value.

RACE 11

1st Pick: KING ARTHUR (8)

From barrier number 4, this son of I Am Invincible gets arguably the run of the race. He is very much out of his depth here, but a good ride from Blake Shinn could see him in the finish.

2nd Pick: LIM'S LIGHTNING (1)

Barrier 1 means thar all the expertise of Danny Beasley along with a lot of luck will be required to see him win this race, but he is the defending champion and horse to beat on form.

3rd Pick: GOLDEN MONKEY (15)

Coming here with a rating of 72 which suggests he is outclassed here. However, he is the champion 3 year old in Singapore and gains the services of Mark Zahra for his maiden G1 attempt.

4th Pick: MR MALEK (6)

Should follow King Arthur early and get onto his back. Maps to find a nice spot in running and despite dropping back to the 1200m here, should be amongst the top few late in the race.

RACE 12

1st Pick: STENMARK (3)

Back to 1200m looks a big plus for the son of Medaglia D’Oro. On the times he ran to win at class 4, he should be able to match it with them here in class 3.

2nd Pick: THE AUGUST (1)

Carries top weight but returns to the turf which looks a big plus for him this weekend. Will need some luck from the gate but he is most certainly among the chances.

3rd Pick: I AM SACRED (7)

Quality on speed victory last start and you can be sure the plan will not change. Should camp just off the speed behind Ironchamp and be in a prime position at the turn to pounce.

4th Pick: CHICAGO STAR (4)

Last start winner stepping back up to class 3 after a last start win in class 4. Might be a little outclassed here but if you are going wide in exotics, he is one to include.