3 minute read
The Michael Clements trained Mortal Engine has only been seen once in Singapore and creates all the interest in the final event on Sunday.
Formerly based in Australia under the care of Trevor Sutherland, Mortal Engine was sold and transferred to Singapore following his debut back in April in 2020.
Although failing to feature at Wellington, he trialled well prior to his Singapore debut and was sent out the $2.80 favourite.
Ridden by Louis-Philippe Beuzelin, Mortal Engine tracked the speed in fourth and proceeded to pinch runs along the inside coming into the straight.
Forcing his way between runners passing the 400m he took over shortly after and kicked away.
The Steven Burridge trained Ironprince charged at him late but Mortal Engine did too well scoring narrowly over 1200m.
Not seen since, he returns on Sunday off a 321 day break but has trialled well and a key booking with Manoel Nunes aboard.
Only a recent addition to the riding ranks, Nunes had not been seen in Singapore since 2017, a period which saw him reign supreme.
He claimed the Singapore champion jockey title three times during that period running from 2014 to 2016.
Since he plied his trade in Macau, Korea and Mauritius, but did make a cameo pitstop visit at Kranji in September 2019 to ride Countofmontecristo in the Group 1 Raffles Cup.
Currently stranded on 498 winners in Singapore, Nunes is only two wins away from a very impressive milestone and Mortal Engine looks well placed to help his cause.
The Jason Lim trained Vgor is set to make his Singapore debut and shapes as the main danger.
Formerly based in Australia [Old Name: Igor], Igor displayed good ability for the Kacy Fogden stable winning two of his eight starts including three minor placings.
Based on his best form he will be better over further but can certainly sprint well fresh.
The Shane Baertschiger trained From The Navy hasn't been far off the mark in recent efforts and has to be included despite the wide draw.
A winner of three of his 21 starts he has placed on a further seven occasions and rates well on his effort behind the smart Lim's Kosciuszko last weekend.
Should look to roll forward from the draw and be in this for a long way.
Of the rest the Jason Ong trained Royalty appears the best of the rest.
