Trainer Patrick Shaw was on cloud nine when he saddled the quinella of the Singapore Gold Cup six years ago, but he remains down-to-earth about any chance of lightning striking twice with another duo in the time-honoured showpiece this Sunday.
Photo by Singapore Turf Club
The reigning Singapore champion trainer has netted many big feature wins in his 12 years at Kranji, but Mr Line’s victory over stablemate War Horn in the 2,200m handicap feature in 2006 probably ranks as one of his most memorable achievements.
“It's one of my biggest wins here, and for good measure, we got first and second. Mr Line won and War Horn ran second,” recalled the 56-year-old South African handler.
“The Gold Cup is a special race and different from the other feature races here. It's always a training feat to win this type of race.”
This year, his two-pronged attack in the $1.35 million Group 1 event sponsored by Longines comprises Lizarre and Maurice Utrillo, and though he could not fault their condition five days ahead of the race which is also the third Leg of the Singapore Triple Crown Series, he admitted his level of bullishness is probably a notch below what it was at the same time last year.
Flagbearer Lizarre, a well-accomplished South African-bred stayer, went into last year's Gold Cup as one of the favourites following back-to-back wins in two lead-up races, including the Mandai Classic Stakes over the Cup distance. Ridden by Barend Vorster, he fought gamely but had to settle for second, only half-a-length behind the mighty El Dorado who was at his third Gold Cup win.
In a tale of contrasting fortunes this year, Lizarre's preparation has been anything but smooth running. It hit a snag after the Jet Master six-year-old was sidelined with a tendon problem following his second placing to Flying Fulton in the Group 3 New Year Cup over 1900m in January.
Prepped up over four races since his comeback at the end of August, Lizarre never made his presence felt in sprint races not made to suit, but finally showed a glimpse of his old form at his last start in the Group 1 Raffles Cup (1800m), the second Leg of the Triple Crown, when a fair fourth to Flax, one of the Gold Cup's favourites.
To be ridden again by jockey Saimee Jumaat, his new partner this term, Lizarre seems to have peaked at the right time, but Shaw would probably still have wished he had a time machine for the out-and-out stayer.
“The time factor has been against us. Last year, he was really spot-on for the Gold Cup, I couldn't have got him any better, but unfortunately, he had an interrupted campaign this time and that is always a worry,” said Shaw.
“I would probably have liked two or more runs, but the main thing is he's right there and will be facing the starter on Sunday.
“He's very well and came through a nice grass gallop this morning. Saimee rode him and said he felt very good.”
Stepping out for a solo gallop on the course proper on Tuesday, Lizarre cantered off at the 1800m before increasing the tempo to a strong canter in the last 1200m.
Shaw's second runner, Maurice Utrillo, a last-start winner in a Kranji Stakes B race over 1800m three weeks ago, was also put through his paces, but on the Polytrack on Tuesday. Vorster will be aboard Maurice Utrillo.
“He just did his usual canter pacework on the Poly. He will find it tough but he’s fit and well,” said Shaw.
“Anyway, he’s a horse who always tries his hardest. With a bit of luck, anything can happen.”
The Irish-bred six-year-old by Sadler's Wells also ran in last year's Gold Cup, but finished down the field in 12th, more than 13 lengths off El Dorado.
With the two highest-rated runners Flax and Better Life being the winners of the second and first Leg of the Triple Crown Series respectively, the Shaw duo looks to have their job cut out.
“Flax and the filly (Better Life) are the class acts. On his last run, Lizarre will find it hard to turn the tables on those two even with 50kg on his back,” he said.
“But if both of my horses can draw somewhere between 1 and 9, I’d be happy as that will give them far better options.
“There won’t be much pace in the race, and I don’t want them to be too far behind.”
Meanwhile, Shaw also sends out a team of two lightweight chances in Friday's feature, the Group 2 EW Barker Trophy (1400m) – Let's See Action and Davide, both weighted at 50kg.
The same riding team jumps aboard with Vorster electing for Davide while Saimee rides Let's See Action for the first time.
“It looks a tough race, but as Davide is down in the weights, I thought he deserved a run,” he said.
“Let's See Action is still a young horse, and it will be a good gauge to see how he goes.”
