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After training his first winner for the Pacific Stable with the impressive Pacific MV on 16 September, trainer David Kok hopes Pacific Emperor can further cement the partnership by winning the $110,000 Group 3 Merlion Trophy (1200m) on Saturday.
The Polytrack sprint feature race is at its second running in 2023, in which the first edition was won by the Daniel Meagher-trained Lim's Kosciuszko on 4 February. This time, Kok thought Pacific Emperor, the highest-rated (89) runner in his stable, would be more than up to the weight-for-age test.
The four-year-old son of Caravaggio has impressed in seven starts in Singapore. He won five times and placed once at Group 3 level in the Rocket Man Sprint (1200m) on 6 August when under the care of ex-trainer Michael Clements.
Three of his wins were on the Polytrack, thus the all-weather surface held no fears. And Kok – who had just over a month to get to know what makes Pacific Emperor tick - cannot wait to see how the Pacific Stable-owned gelding goes at the top level.
"The horse arrived at my stable after his last-start win," said Kok, who has never won the Merlion Trophy previously.
"He was Michael's last winner and beat Super Salute on the turf in (a) Class 1 (race over 1200m on 23 September).
"He arrived in very good order and is very easy to work with; a lovely horse. But while he is easygoing at the stable, he knows what to do when it comes to trackwork.
"His trial for me (won trial no 3 on 19 October in 1 min 0.06secs) was very good and he's ready to go."
Though he placed second at his only Group raid previously, Kok is fully aware that the weight-for-age conditions of the Merlion Trophy will be another test for his rising star.
"The Rocket Man Sprint was a handicap (race) and he (Pacific Emperor ) only carried a lightweight (50.5kgs)," explained the Singaporean conditioner.
"And his last-start win was also at handicap conditions, so we meet Super Salute worse off (six-and-a-half kilos) at the weights. But his Polytrack record is very good and I was very happy with his trial.
"I think Super Salute is the horse to beat but hopefully we can draw (a barrier) to our advantage.
"In saying that, he (Pacific Emperor) is versatile so he can race on the pace or back. (Jockey) CC (Wong Chin Chuen) knows him better than I do, so I will let him decide on how it would be best to ride him.
"The horse is fit and has a big heart. He had a strong canter this morning and he should race well."
Kok – who has a big team of 20 runners nominated for Saturday's races – was also bullish about Pacific MV adding another win in the $50,000 Class 4 Division 1 race over 1100m.
"I was very happy with the way he won at his first start for me (in a Class 4 race over 1100m on 16 September) and I think he will go close again," said Kok of the four-year-old son of Headwater.
"He came through that race very well and his trial the other day (won trial no 4 on 19 October in the time of 1 min 0.43secs) was good. CC rode him back from the wide gate (12) last start over the same trip, but we will see what barrier we get for Saturday."
Of his other runners, Kok suggested the smart Sabah Ace (x Swiss Ace) can continue his run through the grades in the $70,000 Class 3 race over 1200m.
"I think we will see the best of Sabah Ace," said Kok, who has 22 wins to sit 10th on the 2023 trainers' log.
"He ran on well last start (27 August) over 1400m on the turf and has won three from four on the Polytrack. He had a quiet trial (sixth) the other day (19 October) behind Pacific Emperor and is ready to run well.
"(Jockey) Harry (A'Isisuhairi Kasim) will ride him again and he (Sabah Ace) will be strong to the wire.
"The owners from the Royal Sabah Turf Club (RSTC Stable) are very supportive of me and it's great that they have a nice horse."
Kok was also happy to report his stable is running at capacity as the season comes to an end.
"It has been a good year," he said.
"The stable is full, we have good owners and plenty of runners to keep us busy. The staff have to work hard but are also happy."
