3 minute read

Promising galloper Julius Caesar returned in a big way last weekend, spacing his rivals in the final event at Kranji on Friday night.

Only lightly raced Julius Caesar raced in good order last preparation having broken his maiden at his second start in Singapore, before not beaten far behind Whose Else's prior to break.

Julius Caesar

Formerly based in Australia with Team Snowden, Julius Caesar displayed good ability in his four starts before transferred to Singapore in September last year.

Brought along slowly by new trainer James Peters, Julius Caesar finished a narrow second in his Singapore debut, before winning easily at his next outing.

While failing to salute as favourite at his next start, his performance still held merit and he easily justified his favouritism ($2.00 SP) on Friday night.

Ridden by Vlad Duric, Julius Caesar began well to settle second with the Saimee trained Trigamy taking up the running.

Popped off the fence to make a line of three passing the 700m, Julius Caesar travelled boldly and quickly took over on straightening.

Displaying a good turn of foot, Julius Caesar quickly drew of his rivals, racing away to score by four-and-a-half lengths.

Although clearly lacking opposition, it was hard not to be impressed by his performance and more wins certainly appear in store.

Based on his prior form in Australia, Julius Caesar still has a fair bit of room to be move and given his decisive winning margin, Peters' looks to have a very promising type.

One point worth noting from Friday night was Julius Caesar's weight.

Last preparation Julius Caesar's weight wavered between 539kg and 544kg.

However on Friday night, Julius Caesar returned weighing 530kg, a significant change, given he rounded out his last preparation at 544kg.

Many conclusions could be drawn from this:

A) Peters' had Julius Caesar wound right up for his return

B) Peters felt he raced too heavy last preparation and changed up his training regime

C) Now a gelding, Julius Caesar isn't carrying as much condition

Either way, it will be very interesting to see what he weighs in at his next outing.

Last preparation Julius Caesar put on weight with racing, whether he follows the same pattern, we will have to wait and see.

Only lightly raced, now gelded, he is one you can follow with confidence.

Mokastar

The Ricardo Le Grange trained Mokastar broke through for a deserved maiden win on Sunday, when far too good in the second event.

Only lightly raced Mokastar placed at his first three starts before thrown in the deep end, when safely held in the Group 2 Golden Horseshoe [1200m].

Admittedly never a winning chance, however he didn't have a great deal of luck and wasn't able to showcase his best form.

Prior to that he finished third behind the progressive Ferocious and was certainly well placed on Sunday.

Ridden by Nooresh Juglall, Mokastar never gave his rivals a chance, leading throughout to score by four lengths.

Successful in returning a new career peak, he appears a nice horse moving forward and is another who can be followed as he makes his rise through the grades.