3 minute read

Only the sole meeting in Singapore over the weekend with the build up to the Group 1 Singapore Gold Cup now in full swing.

A total of ten races were held on Friday night with a number of key performances.

Former New Zealand based galloper Ninetyseven Gold lived up to his solid market support when too good on debut for the Brian Dean stable.

Ninetyseven Gold

Lining up in the fifth event, the son of Sufficient possessed just the sole victory to his name, however there was still a bit of depth to his form.

Previously trained by Brent Gillovic (Old Name: Wealth Prince), Ninetyseven Gold had placed in seven of his 12 career starts, including four second placings.

Unseen for 223 days, Ninetyseven Gold had trialled nicely in the lead up and took full advantage of his favourable draw.

Jumping away well under Harry Kasim, Ninetyseven Gold settled third with City Of Sails and Makawao setting a decent tempo out in front.

Under a good hold on straightening, Ninetyseven Gold loomed ominously and quickly hit the front inside the 300m.

Drawing well clear, Ninetyseven Gold never appeared in doubt and went to the line to score by just under two lengths.

Race favourite White Hunter was clearly no match and finished third, 4.3L away.

Marked just 1.5L slower than Bm83 winner Bellwether, it gives a further push for Ninetyseven Gold's performance.

Using Timeform ratings, Ninetyseven Gold was marked below his best form in New Zealand which makes for good reading moving forward.

He notably returned time figures ahead of the bare form and while many would have labelled him a non-winner, his performance on Friday suggests there are a few more wins in store.

Previously at his best between 1200m-1400m, he creates plenty of interest for his next outing and should be followed closely.

The final event on the card saw a number of promising types clash, with the first two across the line both tipped as gallopers to follow.

Winning Cause

Winning Cause trained by Patrick Shaw collected his third win in four starts and continued his upwards rating spiral.

A revelation this time in, the son of Giant's Causeway has improved 20 pounds since breaking his maiden status in September.

Ridden by Barend Vorster, Winning Cause appreciated the strong early tempo when settled towards the rear.

Pinching runs along the rail approaching the turn, Winning Cause didn't have the clearest passage before pulled to the outside passing the 300m.

Letting down strongly Winning Cause hit the front inside the 100m and drew clear for a dominant victory.

Having only missed the top two placings once in his nine career starts, he is a clearly heading in the right direction and is a must for your blackbook.

Newlands

Second placegetter Newlands was no match for Winning Cause, however his performance still held plenty of merit.

Trained by Stephen Gray the son of Mugharreb came a long way last preparation and gives the impression he will be even better over further this time in.

Marked just two pounds below his best, he is clearly back in good order and is definitely one to stick with when seen beyond a mile.

Aurora Australis

Although unable to salute in the second event, debutant Aurora Australis displayed good ability and was a real eye catcher behind the Bruce Marsh trained Lucky Boy.

Ridden by Corey Brown, Aurora Australis settled towards the rear from the wide draw and simply wasn't suited by the moderate tempo.

Pulled to the extreme outside on straightening, Aurora Australis made up a stack of ground and was a key sectional star.

Likely to derive plenty of benefit from that raceday experience he remains open to good improvement and could pay to keep safe at his next outing.