The $350 000 Merlion Trophy run this past Sunday was the first leg of the sprint series. A star studded field lined up with a few notable exceptions, writes Gareth Pepper.
Spalato is top class!
El Padrino had won the last two runnings and both he and Kiwi Karma were looking to do well after connections were told during the week that their hopes of travelling to Dubai are off!
Showing his customary lack of pace, El Padrino was near the rear, but just off of the pace Kiwi Karma and Spalato were pacing it out together.
With 700m to go Corey Brown let Spalato run and the response was immediate. He cruised up, accelerated away from the field and it was as simple as that.
Corey Brown – off to Australia
Just on his pilot Corey Brown, we wish him well as he heads to Australia this weekend to partner the exciting Ghisoni for Godolphin in Sydney. She looks really talented and by all reports she could be a star in the making.
The best of the rest was El Padrino who ran a gallant second.
I was lucky enough to interview owner Graham Mackie after the race and as per usual he was a gentleman to talk to, praising his champion galloper and all who were behind his victory.
One thing I found refreshing was that he was quick to mention that they would not be targeting the 2nd leg of the sprint series, but that the Lion City Cup on April the 24th for $800 000 was his immediate target.
We see the return of Zac Spirit and Emperor Max in the Kranji Sprint and what a race the lion City could be.
With the Lion City in mind, I saw something I never thought I would see again at the Turf Club.
Rocket Man with Barend Vorster at work
The champion Rocket Man trialled on Tuesday morning.
I must admit I did not sleep very well the night before as all I did was watch his replays and past runs and I have been privileged enough to witness the Star win in Dubai and Singapore.
The media contingent based here at the club were out in full force and it was a pleasure to see him in the back parade ring prior to the trial.
In the trial itself, he showed pace, moved up in the straight but ran out of a bit of steam in the final stages.
I spoke to Barend Vorster after the trial and he was quick to mention that nothing is set in stone and that it was a trial being used to see where the 10 year old is.
Whether he races again or not, just seeing him again in the flesh has been one of the highlights of my tenure here at the Turf Club and if he does race, I will be sure to shout him home!
Till next time.
