3 minute read
This Thursday’s trackwork session was another relatively quiet day at the office for the vast majority of this Saturday’s Kranji Mile runners, overseas contenders included.
Perhaps the only buzz to have sparked the morning routine up was the railside presence of the international media and photographers, mostly from Hong Kong. 
The party of 10-odd journalists didn’t take their eyes off the Hong Kong duo of Singapore Sling and Southern Legend as they walked down the grass chute at the 1600m pole – the very starting point to the Kranji Mile - all the way through their Polytrack spin.
After Singapore Sling ever so slightly upped the ante to even-time at the end of his workout – that’s the quickest he was meant to go all week – Tony Millard’s wife Beverly was immediately surrounded by the press avid to get the latest morsels of updates on the likely favourite.
None of the foreign media was around when the eight Singapore runners stepped out of their boxes from 6am onwards. They should have stayed on. It would have been worth the wait for more than just the lovely breakfast served at the canteen - they would have seen a spot-on home team that won’t be browbeaten into the battle for the minors this year.
Singapore Sling (HK) – Tony Millard
Stepped out at 5.23am under track rider Cheung Hiu Ming to head straight to Track 2 for a canter before quickening off the last 400m in 28 seconds.
“He had a bit of a stretch this morning. We did the same with Horse Of Fortune last year,” said Tony Millard’s wife Beverly.
“Back home, that’s what we normally do two days before a race. When you travel, you don’t need to do too much.
“I also like to take his saddle off after his work as it gives him a chance to take a look around, take some time out. 
“They relax quicker that way. He wasn’t blowing at all on the way back.
“We checked his blood count yesterday and it was good. We’ll check him again later.
“He will just have another routine canter on the same track tomorrow and that will be it.”
Southern Legend (HK) – Caspar Fownes
Under track rider Edward Leung, came out bright and early at 5am on the dot, warmed up on Track 4, cantered two laps on Track 2 before walking back on Track 4 to warm down.
“The horse is improving every day. I’m very happy with his action,” said track rider Edward Leung. 
“He’s a very happy horse, he’s eating and drinking well. I think he really likes Singapore – Dubai facilities are great but it was too hot and dusty for him.”
Blizzard (SG) – Lee Freedman
Cantered over two laps on Track 3 (‘Hong Kong’ track) under track rider Tatsuaki Fujinuma.
“He’s good. He will have a bit of a gear change,” said trainer Lee Freedman.
“He’s ready for the big race.”
Countofmontecristo (SG) – Michael Clements
Cantered over 1600m down Track 4, stretching out a little more on the way back.
“His prep’s done, he had a nice gallop on Monday, and we’re basically just keeping him ticking over,” said assistant-trainer Michael White.
“He will have another slow canter tomorrow.”
Debt Collector & Elite Excalibur (SG) – Cliff Brown
Both Debt Collector and Elite Excalibur trotted and cantered on the uphill track.
King Louis (SG) – Ricardo Le Grange
Cantered one lap on Track 2 with track rider Ayie up.
“I’m very happy with King Louis. He’s in good form and we can only hope for the best for Saturday,” said trainer Ricardo Le Grange.
Makanani (SG) – Hideyuki Takaoka
Trotted and cantered one lap on the uphill track.
“She took it easy on the uphill track this morning,” said assistant-trainer Ryohei Hatano.
“Our work is done, now it’s up to her.”
Preditor (SG) – Shane Baertschiger
Cantered 1 ½ laps on Track 2 with track rider Osman in the saddle.
“He had a nice canter this morning. He’ll do the same tomorrow,” said assistant-trainer Scott Bailey.
War Affair (SG) – Bruce Marsh
Cantered one lap on Track 2 with race-rider Daniel Moor astride.
“He was very good, nice and fresh,” said jockey Daniel Moor.
“He’s been working very well and I see no reason why he couldn’t run well on Saturday.”
