Japanese handler Hideyuki Takaoka looks to have another Longines Singapore Gold Cup hopeful on his hands after the victory of Musketeer in the $75,000 Kranji Stakes C over 1800m on Sunday.
Ridden by Alan Munro, Musketeer scored by one-and-a-quarter lengths from Don Platense (Manoel Nunes) with Darien Gap (Oscar Chavez) two lengths away third.
Takaoka has in the past years made the Singapore Gold Cup over 2200m almost his own, winning the race four times in the last five years – three times with El Dorado (2008, 2009 and 2011) and Better Life last year.
Takaoka is hopeful of getting Musketeer into the Gold Cup this year as the Japenese-bred gelding is proving a strong stayer.
Musketeer will now head to the $150,000 El Dorado Classic over 2200m on October 27 in a bid to gain entry into the Group 1 $1.35 million Longines Singapore Gold Cup over 2200m on November 17.
Munro had Musketeer stalking the leader Freezemaster (A’Isisuhairi Kasim) from the outset with Don Platense stalking him.
Freezemaster rolled along at a good tempo and still held sway turning for home but the warning signs were starting to be posted with 400m to run.
Shortly after Musketeer forged his way to the front with Don Plantense issuing a strong looking challenge and Darien Gap was starting to make good ground down the outside.
But it was to little avail as Musketeer rallied strongly under Munro’s strong riding and kept going strongly all the way to the line.
Musketeer has had one previous try at a distance, running eighth behind stablemate Better Life in the Group 1 Emirates Singapore Derby over 2000m in July.
“I would like to head towards the Gold Cup with him but I think he will need some more ratings points,” said a delighted trainer Takaoka.
“He can run in the El Dorado Classic in October and if he was to win that then he should get some points that will hopefully get him into the race.
“The distance in his next two starts should be ideal for him. He’s got a staying pedigree and he has been strong in his races of late.
“I think he’s a fairly good type of horse.”
Munro said the addition of blinkers to Musketeer’s gear had turned the gelding into a reliable sort of horse.
“The blinkers have settled him right down,” said Munro. “He used to dance his way around the parade ring before, but now he’s a lot better.
“He’s become a very reliable horse now as well. He’s got a really good heart and he’s proven he can run a distance with his run in the Derby.”
A four-year-old by Kurofune from Dance Endless, Musketeer has won four of his 18 starts with a further nine minor placings and has notched around $240,000 in prizemoney for Big Valley Stable.
