3 minute read
Exciting gelding Inferno can stake his claim for the title of Singapore’s best juvenile with a win in Friday’s Group 2 Aushorse Golden Horseshoe (1200m) at Kranji.
A son of Holy Roman Emperor, Inferno created a big impression on debut when he settled back in the field but unleashed a withering sprint for a two-length win in the fourth leg of the two-year-old series at this course and distance.
His closing sectionals were only slightly slower than what Group 1 winner Aramco produced on the same day and natural improvement should see him better for the experience.
The big query on Friday is the barrier - gate 17 in an 18-horse field – but he did cover ground on debut and Michael Rodd will look to slot him in somewhere during the run.
Inferno looks a terrific talent and with a touch of luck on his side he can rise to the top of the two-year-old pile.
The unbeaten Big Hearted could pose the biggest threat.
He is an unknown on turf with his two wins coming on the poly but if his talents transfer to this surface he can definitely threaten.
The Hallowed Crown gelding stepped straight off a maiden success for a fighting nose win in the Inglis Ready2Race Sale Stakes (1000m) when overcoming a wide run in transit.
The form out of that race has stood up with the placegetters both winning legs of the two-year-old series since.
Big Hearted has had two months off since but has been kept up to the mark with a trial and he rates as a threat.
Rocket Star has had to play second fiddle to Inferno and Big Hearted when they have clashed but his other start produced an easy win in the Centenary Stakes.
He was two lengths astray of Inferno last time but he didn't have the best of luck and it was his first attempt at 1200m so it may have improved him.
He is likely to need the fortune to go his way if he is to turn the tables on Inferno but he is drawn inside his rival so that may well see the race pan out well for him.
Debut winner Hotshots Slam joins Inferno as the two that look to have the most upside.
He covered ground when leading but still kicked away for an easy 2.3 length win first up and he should only be better for that.
Doubt the extra 100m will cause him too many problems and his low draw should see him get the favours in the run. That could count for plenty at the business end.
No Regrets gets the same advantage from the inside stall.
He is improving rapidly with fighting wins at his past two outings and he could give a sight again.
Good luck and happy punting.