Trainer Cliff Brown wishes that tonight's Group 2 $350,000 Queen Elizabeth II Cup over 2000m had been run a week earlier.
Photo by Singapore Turf Club
Brown will saddle three runners in the important lead-up to the Group 1 $3 million Singapore Airlines International Cup over 2000m on May 20.
Emirates Singapore Derby winner Clint will be partnered by Stephen Baster while his other runners include Tenzing, who will have Felix Coetzee aboard, and New Rose Wood to be ridden by stable jockey Danny Beasley.
A week of dry weather last week would have been ideal for Clint who has proven a “duffer” on wet tracks.
After winning the Derby last July on good ground, Clint found the wet conditions against him when finishing at the tail of the field in the Longines Singapore Gold Cup.
Two of his three runs back this campaign have been on soft ground on the turf and the son of Casual Lies has been easily defeated on each occasion.
But on firmer footing on the Polytrack on March 11, Clint finished a brave second in the Group 3 Polytrack Mile Championship over 1600m.
While Brown has been willing away the thunderstorms without much success of late, the softer conditions won't affect his other two entrants in the race.
“For Clint I wish the race had been run last week,” said Brown. “We had dry weather all week and it would have been ideal for him.
“We got rain on Saturday morning and there is rain forecast between now and Friday which doesn't help him at all.
“He's just no good on a wet track but the other two handle the conditions alright.”
Brown reported all three horses are in top order as they head towards Friday night's race.
Clint barrier trialled over 1000m on Tuesday morning, finishing sixth behind Ato, beaten just over 10 lengths while Tenzing, who was down to trial also, and New Rose Wood both galloped earlier in the morning.
“I'm happy with how all three are going,” said Brown.
“Clint had a nice trial while Tenzing and New Rose Wood both had a gallop and look to be in good order.
“It's not going to be an easy race though as it has brought together what looks to be a pretty good field.
“Waikato and Flax are two very good horses then there are horses like Speed Baby, Rafaga and Chase Me who are racing well.
“And a horse like Mitre Peak could improve as I think he's a better galloper on the turf.
“But I'm happy with how my three going into the race and will be hoping that one of them can come away with a win.”
At his last start Tenzing ran on late when fifth behind Nandowra in the Group 3 JBBA Moonbeam Vase over 1800m on April 8 while New Rose Wood returned to winning form in the Marsling Classic Stakes at her latest souting on March 25 over 1800m on the Polytrack.
