Emerging sprinter Lim's Cruiser stamped himself as one of the best in the land following his dominant success in the Group 1 Lion City Cup on Sunday.
An impressive winner first up in the Group 3 Rocket Man Sprint, Lim's Cruiser proceeded to take that next step when notching up his first Group 1 success.
Ridden by Danny Beasley, Lim's Cruiser enjoyed all the favours along the rails with both Wimbledon and Emperor Max setting a solid clip (23.60 seconds first 400m).
Sticking to the fence on straightening, Lim's Cruiser didn't go around a horse and enjoyed a saloon passage up the inside.Travelling boldly, Lim's Cruiser burst through in-between Emperor Max and Wimbledon, hitting the front shortly after.
The Ricardo Le Grange trained Storm Troops briefly loomed up on the outside, however once cut loose, it was all over with Lim's Cruiser asserting his dominance over the concluding stages.The Michael Clements trained Alibi worked home well to finish second, however he was clearly no match, with Lim's Cruiser winning comfortably by two lengths.
Lim's Cruiser was aided by a gem of a ride from Danny Beasley, however he was still clearly a class above.
Sunday's performance saw Lim's Cruiser return a Timeform rating of 109p — a new career peak for the son of Casino Prince.From an historical perspective Lim's Cruiser is rated well below that of past victors, though he is still only lightly raced and is yet to reach his perceived career peak.
Arguably Singapore's most prestigious event, the Group 1 Lion City Cup boasts quite an honour roll, headed by Singapore's best ever - Rocket Man (2009 - 2012).Other notable victors of the event include: Zac Spirit (2014 & 2016), War Affair (2015) and Super Easy (2013).
While currently not in the same ballpark as the above, Lim's Cruiser is clearly heading the right way, in what is just his second preparation in Singapore.The sprinting ranks in Singapore is currently well below that of what we have seen in recent times and Lim's Cruiser appears poised to take full advantage.
CountofmontecristoBuilt up as a match race between Jupiter Gold and Countofmontecristo (combined the two held 86.75% of the market), the latter would land the first blow, further pushing his claims as the best 3YO in Singapore — though in truth, Jupiter Gold was very disappointing.
From a form perspective, Jupiter Gold was six lengths below his best, having defeated Singapore Horse Of The Year Debt Collector at his start prior.Jupiter Gold was ridden very negatively, however he was still entitled to do more in the straight (IMO).
Nonetheless, take nothing away from Countofmontecristo, he has continued to raise the bar and given his racing pattern (on-speed), he is the one they will all have to get past in the Guineas.Countofmontecristo has been rated alongside past winners Spanish Bay and coincidentally Gingerbread Man (same owner).
Better Than Ever remains the highest rated victor of the event having saluted by seven lengths in 2010.Can Jupiter Gold turn the tables come the Singapore Guineas? Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: He will have to be more tractable in running to do so.