3 minute read

From the punters to the trainers, owners and jockeys; everyone wants to go out a winner on Saturday.

That includes the Singapore Turf Club's broadcast teams with the Group 1 Grand Singapore Gold Cup's (2000m) bragging rights on the line before we bid farewell to racing at Kranji.

For English race caller Scott Bailey, he would love to call his favourite horse, Lim's Kosciuszko, first over the line for one more time.

"Well, the time has come," said the Australian, who started working at Kranji 13 years ago as a track rider for ex-Kranji trainer Shane Baertschiger.

"I'm sticking with my old favourite, Lim's Kosciuszko. He's on 58kgs and has a beautiful draw in barrier two, which is a bigger advantage compared to last year when he drew barrier 16 carrying the same weight.

"He has been a pleasure to watch and call throughout my short media career and if the racing gods have any hand in this, then he should claim this race back-to-back.

 "My value in the race would be Hole In One. I've made him my value play on a couple of occasions, and he has produced some nice top-four finishes at his last few runs.

"(Jockey) Taylor Marshall should be able to position him nicely and his recent runs indicate that he will stay the trip.

"It's been a pleasure and privilege to be involved in the racing here. Apart from calling the big races, my favourite memory was when my ex-boss, Shane, won the 2019 Group 1 Lion City Cup (1200m) with Aramco.

"That's years of hard work and getting that elusive Group 1 win for the stable was a terrific feeling and something I'll always treasure."

Kew Lee Teng, who will call the action for the Chinese audience, thought Lim's Saltoro will be the horse to beat.

"I spent almost 15 years with the Club and built up an extensive television hosting and commentating portfolio," she said.

"I was the only female racing broadcaster in Singapore. It is truly a wonderful memory and achievement in my career.

"I will go with Lim's Saltoro this time for one reason; he's 6kgs lighter in weight as compared to Lim's Kosciuszko. Lim's Saltoro is the best and top-rated (98) horse among all the lightweight chances, and he is the only one that can beat Lim's Kosciuszko.

"However, if my favorite Lim's Kosciusko can win the Gold Cup again, it will be a fantastic feeling and I'd be happy to see that. My value bet would be Hole In One, who was good in the (Group 1) Queen Elizabeth II Cup (1800m)."

Ethan Mills, a relative newcomer to Kranji, is with Kew in thinking that Lim's Saltoro can get the better of his more credentialled stablemate.

"He (Lim's Saltoro) had a few issues before the QEII Cup and stayed on well," said Mills, who will interview the winners after the race.

"The wide draw (nine) won't be a concern as it will give him time to cross and find a spot in the first four. The 2000m is no issue; he will eat it up.

"Lim's Kosciuszko will be there too, and both the Lim's horses are right in this.

"For value, I will be watching Istataba. She was good in this race last year (finished third) after a tough run. Some rain will help her chances."

Raymond Yong is another one in Lim's Saltoro corner, and he included an outsider who may provide value.

"Lim's Saltoro fought on strongly at weight-for-age conditions at his last start," said the bilingual presenter.

"I think he can handle the distance and at the handicap conditions of the Gold Cup. He is the one to beat.

"Pacific Vampire is a sprinting type, so he's a query at the distance, but he could be in front a long way at good odds.

"It's a sad day but my memories of Kranji are happy ones, from Rocket Man winning the (Group 1) KrisFlyer International Sprint (1200m) to Better Than Ever winning his first 12 races."

Collin Fan from the Chinese team also picked Lim's Saltoro, and it was all about the weights.

"Lim's Saltoro  has the ideal handicapped weight," said Fan.

"He is very promising and is competitive. Lim's Kosciuszko carries too much weight but no one can be blamed, whoever wins.

"Makin and Dream Alliance will run well, especially Dream Alliance as he was impressive in this race last year."

Pundit Suresh Ragavan stuck with one of his favourite horses in Kranji's history, Lim's Kosciuszko , for the Grand Singapore Gold Cup and made comparisons with another champion, Rocket Man.

"'Kosi' is clearly the best horse in Singapore, just like Rocket Man was," he said.

"The barrier is in his favour, so is the distance. He will also get a good run on the back of Lim's Saltoro, so he will get every chance. I choose Hole in One for value.

"If 'Kosi' wins, it will be another great memory from Kranji, right up there with Rocket Man  winning the KrisFlyer (International) Sprint."

As for me, my greatest memories of Kranji are of the characters you meet in this wonderful game.

It has been a privilege to be involved for so long and I'm sad that it ends on Saturday for those who have put their life into providing the drama and excitement week in and week out for punters over many years.

I'm not overly concerned with who wins the Grand Singapore Gold Cup as there is always a story to be told. Only safe travels to all the visiting jockeys and see you at the Roo Bar!