3 minute read
With a perfectly timed preparation, the talented Sacred Croix looks set to peak and win Sunday’s Group 1 Singapore Derby (1800m) at Kranji.
The Savabeel gelding has had no luck when racing three wide without cover at both starts this campaign but has still shown plenty of courage to finish runner up in the first two legs of the Singapore Four-Year-Old Challenge.
Sacred Croix was an eye catcher in the Group 2 Stewards' Cup (1600m) last start when running on from eighth to finish three-quarters-of-a-length behind What's New.
That run will have him ready to peak third up and he has been crying out for 1800m.
Sacred Croix finished last campaign with a string of four wins at this course and is a more mature horse now so looks set to claim the big prize.
The mare What's New has to be respected after landing the first two legs of the series, beating most of these rivals in the process.
She has had fortune on her side with both races panning out perfectly for her but she has still been good enough to capitalise.
She draws gate 14 this time so she may have to do it the hard way and the step up in trip will give her a true test but she has the right form to win a Derby.
Circuit Mission could be the big improver. He has had no luck in the first two legs of the series when held up so put a pen through those results.
He had completed a hat trick of wins before that and is one of only three runners proven at 1800m, winning his only attempt.
He is drawn to get a cushy run in transit from the rails draw and with some better luck on his side he has the talent to give this a real shake.
Eye Guy has raced well through the series finishing about 1.5 lengths off What's New in both legs.
He is drawn a bit wider this time but has the gate speed to work across to lead or race handy and could well be fighting on well again in the drive to the line.
Heliosphere was never in the race last start after starting from a wide gate, covering ground and suffering a mouth injury.
He had been close up when fourth in the Silver Bowl and with the aid of a draw much closer to the fence he can be in the finish, while Quarter Back ran on from the rear to finish better-than-midfield in the Stewards' Cup and should relish the step up in distance.
Good luck and good punting.
