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Trainer David Kok hoped that Real Efecto can continue his stable’s good run of form in the $70,000 Kranji Stakes C race over 1600m on Saturday.

Kok has enjoyed a solid start to the 2023 Singapore racing season with four winners from 29 runners and although Real Efecto has not won since November 2021, the point to note here is that his last win was in Kranji Stakes C company, albeit on the turf over 2000m.

Prior to that, his three previous wins were all on the Polytrack. At his last start on February 4, the five-year-old son of Deep Impact was well-supported when he ran third in Class 4 company over 1800m, which was perhaps better than the result given he did it tough on the speed throughout.

But while Kok – who also nominated maiden galloper Happy Warrior in the same Polytrack race – understands the likes of last-start Class 4 Polytrack mile winner Vittoria Perfetta will offer tough competition, he is confident of a competitive run from Real Efecto with the handy pull in weights.

"He (Real Efecto ) stands a chance," said Kok on Tuesday.

"The top two(-rated) horses (Pennywise and Vittoria Perfetta) are hard to beat, but they have to carry weight (59.5kgs).

"I'm really hoping they don't claim (use a claiming rider) as we definitely stand a better chance with a three-kilo difference (56.5kgs).

"(Jockey) Harry (A'Isisuhairi Kasim) will ride mine as (jockey) Vlad (Duric) wouldn't have made the weight (and is also suspended this week).

"Hopefully we get a good sit just off the pace in the small field and he (Real Efecto) can show his best."

While Real Efecto faced easier opposition in the Class 4 race at his last start, Kok believes he is better suited in this grade.

"There have been a few Class 3 races cancelled lately due to the lack of numbers, so we had to run him with a top weight (59kgs) at his last start (in a Class 4 race over 1800m)," said the Singaporean handler.

"It rained that day too, which didn't help with so much weight and he also had a hard run on the pace from the wide gate.

"But he has trained on well since that run and handles the Poly(Polytrack) or the turf. If he draws a nice barrier and the other two don't claim – we will see on Wednesday (racecards) – he is a better chance."

Kok was very happy with the direction in which his stable is heading, with the likes of undefeated three-year-old Sabah Ace leading the charge.

"Yes, it's been a good start to the year," said Kok, who finished 16th on the trainers' premiership in 2022 with 15 winners.

"Sabah Ace has a lot to do with that. He has won two this year to make it three-out-of-three and I will set him for the (Singapore) Three-Year-Old (Challenge) series."

The Singapore Three-Year-Old Challenge series starts with the Group 3 Singapore-Three-Year-Old Sprint (1200m) on April 8, continues with the Group 2 Singapore-Three-Year-Old Classic (1400m) on April 29 and culminates with the Group 2 Singapore Guineas (1600m) on May 20.

"The owners (Royal Sabah Turf Club Stable) have been my biggest supporters over the last two years and this one (Sabah Ace) is very promising," he continued.

"They are very good people, so there's no pressure on me. They leave it to me to train and that makes my job easy.

"I also have some good new stocks and new owners as well, like the City Gold Stable. They have some nice raced horses (including City Gold Forward on a rating of 70) purchased through the (2022) Inglis (Digital) online sales, which are ready to start racing in Singapore.

"We have about 38 horses in work - just about full! Some of the two-year-olds are yet to be registered, but hopefully we start to see them at the (barrier) trials and races in May or June.

"No complaints from me about my stable. My aim is to keep the owners happy so they keep supporting me, and to keep improving.

"So, if I can win more than last year, I'll be happy."