3 minute read
Star Jack is not quite in the same brilliant form that saw him finish a mighty second to I’m Incredible in the Group 3 El Dorado Classic (2000m) last year, but trainer Hideyuki Takaoka is not despairing to get the old Star Jack back.
In two starts this prep, both over the mile, the Japanese-bred stayer finished out of the money, incidentally beaten by Threeandfourpence on both occasions, but he did not finish too far behind.
The Jungle Pocket six-year-old actually made ground late, an indication he was warming up to the task when the race was ending.
He may well run out of time again in the $70,000 Class 3 race run over the same trip this Sunday, but Takaoka has an inkling he may go closer this time.
"His last two runs were actually okay. He ran unplaced, but he wasn't that far behind," said the Japanese mentor.
"At his last start when Noh (Senari) rode him, he was caught wide, but he still did his best. It was a good effort.
"I think the break has done him a lot of good. He was getting a bit tired after the El Dorado.
"He showed it at his last two runs after the El Dorado and that's why I gave him a break. He needed the freshen-up."
Star Jack will reunite with regular partner Marc Lerner who returns from a six-meeting ban for careless riding this Sunday.
"Marc will gallop him tomorrow. He knows the horse well, and I'm hoping for an improved showing this Sunday," said Takaoka.
"I was actually looking for a longer race for him, but there was none. No choice, I have to put him on the mile again.
"He has the potential to run in the Gold Cup as he has the distance, but I would say he needs another 10 points to make it.
"He's a sound horse with no issues. There's still a long way till the Gold Cup; for now, I'll just take him through his grades."
Takaoka is an integral part of the Group 1 Singapore Gold Cup (2000m) history having won the time-honoured race four times (El Dorado in 2008, 2009, 2011, and Better Life in 2012).
Last year will not rank as one of his better attempts, though. Makanani ran a disappointing 12th to Mr Clint after having six weeks earlier reached a high point with a fighting win in the Group 1 Raffles Cup (1600m).
Takaoka will soon bring back in work the Black Tide six-year-old mare, the second highest-rated galloper (97) in his yard, while the table-topper Jupiter Gold (104) is making good headway from his injury-induced spell.
"Makanani is swimming now, she will start work in two weeks' time, but it'll be too late for her to run in the Kranji Mile," said Takaoka in reference to the feature race which was elevated to International Group 3 status this year and will be run on May 23.
"As for Jupiter Gold, we scanned his leg this morning. It's all good."
The 2018 Emirates Singapore Derby (1800m) winner, who is now a rising seven, was sidelined through a tendon injury last May, a few weeks before his next assignment in the same Kranji Mile.
While the initial prognosis for the Congrats nine-time winner was four to five months, the recovery took longer than envisaged.
"Jupiter Gold has been back in work in the last two or three weeks. He will do some strong canter for the first time this week," said Takaoka.
"He's still very fat. We won't rush him, touch wood, if all goes well, maybe he can come back in 1 ½ months' time."