3 minute read

Star three-year-old Jupiter Gold gets his chance to confirm his place at the top of the tree when set to contest the Group 2 3YO Classic this evening.

Unbeaten this preparation, Jupiter Gold continues to raise the bar, most recently lowering the colours of Singapore Horse Of The Year Debt Collector.

Although it was advantage Jupiter Gold at the weights, it was clearly his toughest test, as he had never faced the likes of Debt Collector,.

Nonetheless the market was well in truly in his corner with Jupiter Gold crunched late to start the $1.80 favourite.

Having displayed plenty of ability as a two-year-old, Jupiter Gold has clearly gone to a new level this time in, with his performance two back electric against the clock.

Rated 102 leading into the event, Jupiter Gold would again raise the bar returning a Timeform rating of 110.

Not since the likes of War Affair have we seen a three-year-old return such a high rating pre-Singapore Guineas [1600m].

War Affair returned a Timeform rating of 115 when blitzing his rivals in the 2014 Singapore Guineas, with a career peak rating of 123 achieved in the 2014 Group 1 Raffles Cup [1800m].

While we are not saying Jupiter Gold is the next War Affair just set, early signs indicate that he is not far off.

Ridden by Alan Munro, Jupiter Gold adopted his usual position towards the rear with Debt Collector settled a few lengths behind him, last.

Settled nicely under Munro, Jupiter Gold was tracked by Debt Collector every step of the way, with the two pairing off to fight out the finish at the top of the straight.

At the 300m, Debt Collector looked to easily have Jupiter Gold's measure, however Jupiter Gold really dug deep, kicking back to edge out both Nova Strike and Debt Collector.

Visually Debt Collector appeared to lose the race in the last 100m, however the fact he conceded Jupiter Gold a start would ultimately prove the difference — both gallopers returned very similar figures for their last 800m, 45.19 seconds (Jupiter Gold) and 45.05 seconds (Debt Collector).

Unseen for 42 days, Jupiter Gold should have no concerns with the drop back in trip and clearly sets a decent standard for his rivals.

Under the set weights conditions, he holds a distinct edge and while better at a mile, Jupiter Gold still should prove too good.

The wide draw is also an advantage, with Munro expected to settle towards the rear and out of trouble.

Likely to make his move passing the 800m, Jupiter Gold simply should be too strong for his rivals over the concluding stages.

Unbeaten from his first three starts, Countofmontecristo shapes as the main/only danger.

Labelled "The Beast" by Glen Boss, Countofmontecristo proved just that when too strong on-speed in the Group 3 Singapore 3YO Sprint [1200m] last start.

Facing easily his toughest test, Countofmontecristo passed with flying colours and justified his solid market support.

Beginning well from the outside stall, Countofmontecristo pressed on to settle fourth, with the James Peters trained Macarthur taking up the running.

Under a good hold entering the straight, Countofmontecristo travelled up strongly and already had race favourite Nova Swiss off the bit.

Quickly taking over inside the 300m, Countofmontecristo drew clear, scoring easily by just under a length.

Successful in returning a new career peak Countofmontecristo is clearly a 3YO heading in the right direction.

From a historical perspective, Countofmontecristo has been rated higher than last year's victor Conflight and marginally below that of Kiwi Karma and Affleck the year prior.

Give the brutal early tempo, it also suggests he will relish the step up to 1400m and in fact is likely to better over further.

From the middle draw he is expected to adopt a prominent position and should be in this for a long way.

The Cliff Brown trained Sir Isaac hit the line nicely behind Countofmontecristo last start and appears the next in line.

While possessing just the sole win to his name from eight starts, he is certainly more than capable and is sure to appreciate the step up in trip.

Leading rider Michael Rodd sticks aboard and he cannot be taken lightly.

Of the rest the James Peters trained Skywalk appears the next best.

He too should appreciate the step up in trip and was solid behind Countofmontecristo last start.

Whether he can turn the tables remains to be seen, however he still holds some place claims.

Good luck and happy punting.