3 minute read

Star galloper Debt Collector returned in a big way last start and is out to stretch his winning sequence to nine this evening in Singapore.

Due to contest the sixth event, Debt Collector is forced to give weight away to all of his rivals, but no question he has earned it.

While he may have been considered vulnerable first up, Debt Collector was clearly in a league of his own when making light of his rivals in the Canada Cup.

The undisputed champion three-year-old last season, the question mark remained whether Debt Collector could progress to that next level – that he has, and in a big way.

Debt Collector rounded out his last campaign when confirming his place at the top of the tree, taking out the Group 1 Raffles Cup [1800m].

Since breaking his maiden status in November last year, Debt Collector is unbeaten from eight starts and is just that – a winner.

In what can only be described as a remarkable training performance, Debt Collector has continued to raise the bar for trainer Cliff Brown.

Ridden by regular rider Michael Rodd, Debt Collector adopted his usual position at the rear with the Ricardo Le Grange trained Kirks Ryker setting what can only be described as a pedestrian tempo in-front (25.28 seconds for the first 400m).

Spotting the leaders close to four lengths passing the 600m, Rodd hooked Debt Collector to the outside, allowing him to work through his gears, before cut loose approaching the 300m.

The response immediate, Debt Collector quickly swept to the front and put pay to his rivals inside the 200m.

Drawing away to score by 1.3L, Debt Collector appears set for another bumper preparation with a trip to Dubai now well on the cards.

For his last 800m Debt Collector was marked over 5L faster than his nearest rival and recorded 22.09 seconds for his last 400m (slick).

Considering he also gave weight to all of his rivals, it further highlights the high level of his performance.

At his previous six attempts Debt Collector has bettered his previous mark, with his first up performance marked just shy of his effort in the Raffles Cup.

Given he will no doubt improve off the back of that effort, he projects to record a new career peak this time in, either here or when tested against stronger company in Dubai.

Surprisingly we are still yet to see Debt Collector tested in a high pressure affair, that is we are yet to see what is really under the hood.

Debt Collector's ability to reel off a slick closing sectional off a slow tempo is impressive, if able to do so off a fast tempo, he then stamps himself as a very, very good horse.

No question he is the best horse in Singapore and in truth despite the big weight, only bad luck beats him this evening.

Emerging three-year-old Jupiter Gold shapes as the main/only danger following his ultra impressive performance last start.

In his first attempt over the mile, the son of Congrats passed with flying colours, settling towards the rear before rounding up his rivals and racing away in the straight.

An impressive winner first up over 1400m, Jupiter Gold has clearly made good improvement off a break and Takaoka looks to have a very promising galloper on his hands.

Ridden by Alan Munro, Jupiter Gold was again ridden patiently and enjoyed the solid tempo set by both Battle Of Troy and B'Nevagivup.

Pulled the widest runner on straightening, Jupiter Gold was left with a fair bit to do, however once balanced up, he began to let down powerfully.

Displaying a very sharp turn of foot, Jupiter Gold quickly ambled up to the lead approaching the 300m before racing away over the concluding stages.

In a most impressive display, Jupiter Gold scored eased down by 2.5L and recorded a new career peak in the process.

Improving six pounds on his first up victory, Jupiter Gold has now improved 14 pounds this preparation and is clearly a three-year-old heading in the right direction.

When assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings, not a great deal separates both he and Debt Collector, if the latter is off his game, than expect Jupiter Gold to take full advantage.

At this stage the Singapore Guineas is at Jupiter Gold's mercy.

The Alvin Tan trained Nova Strike has been solid in both starts to begin this preparation and now appears set to peak racing third up.

While he lacks the class of the first two, he is a distinct model of consistency and shouldn't be too far away.

Of the rest the Ricardo Le Grange trained Rafaello appears the next in line following a return to form last start behind Debt Collector.

While clearly unlikely to turn the tables, he is capable of filling a minor spot.

Good luck and happy punting.