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[my miss storm cat]

From the Singapore Turf Club...


Kranji trackwork - Tuesday

12 May 2015 | Singapore Turf Club


SINGAPORE AIRLINES INTERNATIONAL CUP

Cooptado (SG) – Patrick Shaw

Galloped on Track 1 under jockey Barend Vorster, reeling off the last 600m in 37.9secs.

“I was very happy with today’s gallop. He cantered from the 1600m and picked up on his gallop from the 800m,” said jockey Barend Vorster.

“It was a slightly longer gallop than Saturday’s where we cantered off from the 1200m.
He may have another small gallop on Thursday or Friday.”

Assistant-trainer Ricardo Le Grange, who has without fail been looking after Cooptado’s well-being and training since he landed on May 2 as well as continuing with his daily workout from 6am onwards, was delighted with the hit-out. Cooptado officially passed a New Registration trial on May 9 and is now qualified to race.

“It was a good gallop and he pulled up well. He’s nice and clean-winded,” said the South African horseman.

“The good thing is he has maintained his weight around 473-475kg. He was 472kg when he arrived.”

Smoking Sun (FRA) – Pascal Bary

Trotted and cantered up and down Track 4 with track rider Patrick Lemagny in the saddle.

“We did the same thing this morning, just up and down the track round the back,” said track rider Patrick Lemagny.
“We trotted first, did some light canter till the tower, turned around and cantered a little quicker and did the same thing again.

“He’s getting better and better.”

Smoking Sun’s groom Frantz Laine added that the Smart Strike entire was in a better disposition than he was in Hong Kong where he recently ran unplaced in the Group 1 Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2000m).

“He was not the same in Hong Kong. His head was down and he did not run well,” said Laine.

“But I noticed he was a lot happier here, more switched on. I think he remembers the place from last year (second to Dan Excel in the SIA Cup) and he knows he’s back.”

Meiner Frost (JPN) – Noboru Takagi

Walked one lap of Track 1 before moving to Track 2 where he did some strong canter in the last 600m under track rider cum assistant-trainer Satoshi Munakata.

“We are keeping his condition and that’s what our main objective is till raceday,” said track rider cum assistant-trainer Satoshi Munakata, who honed his craft in Ballydoyle, Ireland.

“Yesterday, he was looking around and I had him working a bit quicker to get his mind off the distractions. He was a lot more focused this morning, he is more used to the track already.

“He did some strong canter around 18 seconds per sectional (200m). Tomorrow, he is going on grass again and will probably do a quarter-gallop at good speed – around 70 seconds for five furlongs.”

Dan Excel (HK) – John Moore

Cantered with track rider Yeung Kai-tong up on Track 2 for 1 ½ laps, followed by 400-500m of trotting.

“He is doing well today with a relaxed canter on Track 2 (Polytrack),” said assistant-trainer George Moore.

“We plan to do something slow today and tomorrow, before going for a gallop on Thursday and Friday.”

Military Attack (SIA Cup) & Lucky Nine (KrisFlyer) (HK) – Caspar Fownes

Military Attack with track rider Paul Lo up and Lucky Nine with track rider Danny Suen up warmed up on Track 4 before both did a lap of easy cantering on Track 2.

Trainer Caspar Fownes arrived in Singapore last night (Monday) and was down at the tracks early this morning to watch Military Attack and Lucky Nine warm up and track their progress.

“It was a quiet, easy run today for both of them,” said Fownes.

“We medicated Military Attack’s legs yesterday. That is why he did not do much running at the track.
“No injuries, though. It is just the usual maintenance as they get older. It keeps the joints healthy. We have already run him on Sunday morning, so it’s not like he did not get a run-out.

“We are happy to be here, especially with Lucky Nine going for the hat-trick of Sprint titles. He is getting on in age and has just come off some substandard runs, but it doesn’t worry me.

“He has at least one good race left and let us hope this Sunday will be it.

“I will not be staying too long. I will be leaving on Wednesday so Man Kit-chiu (groom) will represent me for the draw on Thursday.”

Free Port Lux (FRA) – Freddy Head

One lap of trot and slow canter (1000m) and one lap of canter (1400m) on Track 2 (Polytrack) under track rider Philippe Bruneau, clocking 42.8secs for the last 600m.

“He’s doing well. He’s still a little nervous, but he’s not that bad,” said travelling lad Regis Barbedette.

“He is the sort who imagines things we don’t see – easily spooked, but not to the point he loses it completely.

“His weight is stable – 516 kilos and I will weigh him again tonight. (Trainer) Freddy (Head) will be at the track on Thursday.

“It will be the same routine tomorrow and we may give him a little wind-opener over 600m on Friday.”
Johnny Guitar, Quechua, Slew Of Lode (SIA Cup) & Magneto (KrisFlyer) (SG) – Patrick Shaw

Trainer Patrick Shaw’s Johnny Guitar (Barend Vorster) and Quechua (Corey Brown) galloped on Track 2 (Polytrack) over two laps to run the last 600m in 36.8secs while Slew Of Lode (Nooresh Juglall) also came out for pacework on Track 2 to clock the last 600m in 36 seconds. Magneto did not work after his gallop on Monday.

“Very happy with all of them, including Cooptado (see above),” said trainer Patrick Shaw.

“Johnny Guitar and Quechua did some canter and pacework over two laps on the Polytrack while Slew Of Lode (Nooresh Juglall) worked with In Fact a little later and did the same thing.

“That was it for them, except for Cooptado who may have one more gallop on turf. He needs a bit more than the rest.”

Stepitup (SG) – Laurie Laxon

Two laps of cantering on Track 2 (Polytrack), with another two laps in the pool later in the afternoon.

“He looks good this morning,” said assistant-trainer Shane Ellis. “He will swim another two laps in the afternoon.

“We will progress to galloping on the Polytrack tomorrow.”


Wild Geese (SG) – Steven Burridge

Trotted and cantered over two laps on Track 2 with Julie Burridge up.

“Just gave him a quiet morning, trot and canter on Track 2 twice,” said trainer Steven Burridge.

“He will have a gallop tomorrow. His work is good and his fitness is 100%.”


* * * * * * * *


KRISFLYER INTERNATIONAL SPRINT


Aerovelocity (KrisFlyer) – Paul O’Sullivan

Cantered 1 ½ laps on Track 2 under assistant-trainer cum track rider Pierre Ng.

“He is feeling much better today,” said assistant-trainer cum track rider Pierre Ng. “He is not as shy, is starting to feel the track better and is more confidently speeding up too.

“We did a canter today for 1 ½ laps on Track 2 (Polytrack).

“We are looking to do a fast gallop on Thursday, but will have to wait for the boss to see if that will be done on the grass or Track 2.”

Rich Tapestry (HK) – Michael Chang

Slow canter over a lap on Track 2 with track rider Sit Shun-keung astride.

“He has been eating well these past few days. All has been good,” said Rich Tapestry’s stable representative Irving Chan.
“We did a slow canter on Track 2 (Polytrack), just like yesterday.”

Track rider Sit Shun-keung said trainer Michael Chang had handed over the reins to the ground crew until race night.

“Michael will not be in today but he has left instructions on the trackwork to be done for Rich Tapestry for the next few days,” said Sit.

Hototo (BAH) – Fawzi Nass

Trotted and hacked on Track 6 with track rider Hussain Abdulla in the saddle.

“He did a bit of the same thing as yesterday, slow canter, but a little longer,” said assistant-trainer Nicolas Iguacel.

“He was a little more relaxed this morning, but he’s a typical sprinter, always on his toes, especially if he sees the starting gates.

“We’re playing it by ear with him. He’s kept on improving, and to me he is ready to run tomorrow.

“I’m still deciding whether I will take him to the parade ring for some schooling. We’ll see.”

El Padrino (SG) – Alwin Tan

Slow canter over a lap on Track 3 (sand track).

“He did slow work on the Hong Kong track today,” said trainer Alwin Tan. “This is to keep him fresh for tomorrow’s gallop practice.

“For pre-race runs, I like to run them clockwise to balance out their muscle development.

“It is good to see him sweat it out because I am worried about him getting tied-up, which has happened before.

“Tomorrow he will go for his workout early, around 6.30am to the Polytrack on Track 6.”

Emperor Max (SG) – Stephen Gray

Trot and canter on Track 3 under track rider.

“I just gave him a trot and canter around the Hong Kong track (sand track) for one round this morning,” said trainer Stephen Gray.

“His last gallop on Saturday was good, good for him as he’s a lazy horse. His fitness and form is 100%.

“We’re planning to gallop him, breeze-up the hill tomorrow.”

Kiwi Karma (SG) – Michael Clements

Galloped on Track 2 with track rider up, sprinting up twice.

“It’s the same pre-race gallop she has done for me in the four starts she has had for me,” said trainer Michael Clements.
“She went very well. I’m very pleased with the way she galloped so easily.

“She pulled up good and was hardly blowing. I’ll just give her slow work from now till raceday.”

Zac Spirit (SG) – Cliff Brown

Galloped on the turf (Track 1) but going the opposite way with track rider up, running the last 600m in 34.1 secs.

“He did a gallop over half a mile on the grass this morning,” said trainer Cliff Brown.

“That is his regular Tuesday routine the week he runs. Everything’s fine with him.”

[my miss storm cat]

Kranji trackwork - Wednesday

13 May 2015 | Singapore Turf Club


SINGAPORE AIRLINES INTERNATIONAL CUP

Cooptado (SG) – Patrick Shaw

Cantered over one lap of Track 2 under jockey Barend Vorster.

“He’s feeling really good. He is starting to have a bounce to his steps,” said jockey Barend Vorster.

Trainer Patrick Shaw was up early at the International stables to run his eyes over his new Dubai import and was satisfied with what he saw, though a little worry still weighs on his mind.

“That was a nice workout. I’m just a bit worried about his weight,” said the South African mentor.

“He eats very well during the day, but for some reason I can’t explain, his weight keeps fluctuating. But otherwise, I can’t fault his condition, he’s all good.”

Smoking Sun (FRA) – Pascal Bary

Trotted and cantered up and down Track 6 with track rider Patrick Lemagny in the saddle.

“We decided to do something slightly different today by going on Track 6 instead of Track 4 because it is longer,” said track rider Patrick Lemagny.

“But he did the same trot, “galop de chasse” (light canter) and then came back cantering – just a little longer.
“It’s all just maintenance routine from now till the race. He’s not a showy horse but he is happy in himself, eating and drinking well.”

Meiner Frost (JPN) – Noboru Takagi

Did some paddock schooling, then walked one lap of Track 2 before moving to the turf track (Track 1) where he did what his track rider cum assistant-trainer Satoshi Munakata calls a “quarter-gallop” before sprinting up the last 600m in 34.7 seconds.

“He did look around a little, but he was quite focused and went at a good speed this morning,” said track rider cum assistant-trainer Satoshi Munakata.

“He doesn’t need cheekpieces or blinkers, but wears a shadow roll as he tends to drop his head. We want him to hold his head up.

“He also went to the parade ring and had a good look around.”

Dan Excel (HK) – John Moore

Trotted over 400-500m with track rider Yeung kai-tong aboard, followed by 1 ½ laps of light canter on Track 2.

“We did the same programme as yesterday,” said assistant-trainer George Moore. “Just some trotting followed by cantering on the Polytrack.”

“We will be galloping tomorrow, although we are still undecided on which track.

“My dad will be coming tonight. We will probably decide on the track then, amongst other things.
“Dan Excel is doing very well. He’s probably in a better state of preparation now than he was last year.”

Military Attack (SIA Cup) & Lucky Nine (KrisFlyer) (HK) – Caspar Fownes

Both Lucky Nine (Danny Suen) and Military Attack (Paul Lo) cantered over two laps on Track 2.

“They cantered on Track 2 (Polytrack) for a couple of laps,” said trainer Caspar Fownes.

“Nothing too strenuous.”

Free Port Lux (FRA) – Freddy Head

One lap of trot and slow canter (1500m) and one lap of canter (1400m) on Track 2 (Polytrack) under track rider Philippe Bruneau, clocking 42.2 seconds for the last 600m.

“He worked very well this morning,” said travelling lad Regis Barbedette.

“He is in super condition. He is also eating and drinking well and everything has gone well for him.”

Johnny Guitar, Quechua, Slew Of Lode (SIA Cup) & Magneto (KrisFlyer) (SG) – Patrick Shaw

Trainer Patrick Shaw’s SIA Cup trio of Johnny Guitar, Quechua and Slew Of Lode all had a rest day and walked while his KrisFlyer runner Magneto with race-rider Nooresh Juglall up cantered on the uphill track.

“He worked very well this morning. The horse is back to his best shape and I hope it stays that way until raceday,” said race-rider Nooresh Juglall.

Stepitup (SG) – Laurie Laxon

Galloped on Track 2 with apprentice jockey Rueven Ravindra up, alongside Huka Falls, stopping the clock at 33.9 seconds for the last 600m.

“He did even time from the 1000m with Huka Falls and ran home in the last 600m. He was brilliant and I am very happy with him,” said assistant-trainer Shane Ellis.

“His fitness is 100%, couldn’t be better. Today is his final gallop, he will go for a swim tomorrow and do steady work for the next two days after.”

Wild Geese (SG) – Steven Burridge

Trotted and cantered over two laps with senior track rider Mick Lockett up on Track 2, clocking 38 seconds for the last 600m.

“He went 1000m even time and the last two furlongs in 25 secs,” said trainer Steven Burridge.

“It was a “winning workout”, I was very pleased with him. This is his final gallop and the plan is to go quiet for the rest of the week.

“He will probably go for a trot and canter tomorrow as he does not swim. His fitness is good, around 100%, I hope.”


* * * * * * * *


KRISFLYER INTERNATIONAL SPRINT


Aerovelocity (KrisFlyer) – Paul O’Sullivan

Slow canter over one lap on Track 2 with assistant-trainer cum track rider Pierre Ng aboard.

“He has been sleeping well and eating well,” said assistant-trainer cum track rider Pierre Ng. “He is quite ready for the race.

“Compared to the Japan tracks, the Singapore track is more similar to the Hong Kong ones. If you include other similarities like the climate, it’s definitely easier for the horse to acclimatise here.

“He is still a little fidgety at the start of the session and it can be tough to mount him. But he is like that in Hong Kong as well, so it can be considered a good thing that he is behaving like his usual self.

“(Trainer) Paul (O’Sullivan) will be here tomorrow morning to oversee the trackwork.”

Rich Tapestry (HK) – Michael Chang

Did some paddock schooling before heading out for a slow canter over one lap on Track 2 with track rider Sit Shun-keung astride.

“There’s no change in the routine,” said track rider Sit Shun-keung. “Just a round of slow canter on Track 2 (Polytrack).


Hototo (BAH) – Fawzi Nass

Trotted and hacked on Track 6 before cantering back with track rider Hussain Abdulla in the saddle.

“He just went a little quicker today. He trotted all the way down and cantered back,” said assistant-trainer Nicolas Iguacel.

“That’s it for him. He doesn’t need to do much, as usual, he’s trotted and walked for 20 minutes before he came out.

“I would like him to stay at the weight he is at now. That would be ideal.

“He’s come on in a good way. He’s eating well, more than in Dubai actually.

“Fawzi will be here tomorrow morning and we may then get the horse to stretch on the grass tomorrow. We’ll see.”

El Padrino (SG) – Alwin Tan

Clocked evens on Track 2 before quickening over 400m with race-rider Oscar Chavez up, running the last 600m in 35.5 seconds.

“I was quite happy with the gallop considering he has been away for so long, plus he had a barrier trial last Thursday. He was pretty fresh,” said trainer Alwin Tan.

“I only needed him to sprint up the last bit. He’s a sit-and-wait horse and does not need to go too fast.
“After today, I may send him for a swim tomorrow and it will be all light work until Saturday.

“He is almost ready. My only worry is the turf and the distance which is a bit short – he needs more ground.”

Emperor Max (SG) – Stephen Gray

Cantered on the uphill track with apprentice jockey Ruzaili Yatim up.

”He just had an easy time on the hill, went up twice,” said assistant-trainer Peter Hutton.
“He looks fit and well.”

Kiwi Karma (SG) – Michael Clements

Long hand walk at the stables

“She had a good hit-out yesterday and she just had a long walk at the stables today,” said trainer Michael Clements.

“Work’s done with her. We’ll just keep her happy till Sunday.”

Zac Spirit (SG) – Cliff Brown

Went for a swim.

[my miss storm cat]

Singapore Airlines International Cup 2015 Post Position Draw

HORSE NO. HORSE NAME BARRIER NO.
1 MILITARY ATTACK 3
2 DAN EXCEL 10
3 MEINER FROST 8
4 SMOKING SUN 1
5 JOHNNY GUITAR 4
6 QUECHUA 7
7 STEPITUP 9
8 COOPTADO 6
9 FREE PORT LUX 2
10 SLEW OF LODE 5
11 WILD GEESE 11


KrisFlyer International Sprint 2015 Post Position Draw


HORSE NO. HORSE NAME BARRIER NO.
1 LUCKY NINE 2
2 AEROVELOCITY 3
3 RICH TAPESTRY 6
4 EL PADRINO 9
5 ZAC SPIRIT 5
6 EMPEROR MAX 1
7 MAGNETO 8
8 HOTOTO 7
9 KIWI KARMA 4


Of the very good locals (cause I think ALL of them are) I think Quechua and Zac Spirit have a great chance of grabbing a piece of it. I always root for the HK kids (and, especially, Lucky Nine who is going for his 3rd win here and is just an amazing iron horse) but yeah... these local runners are a good bunch this time around.