Exciting prospect Speedy Cat bounced back to the winner's list in impressive fashion on Sunday, never mind if the early speed element at his previous victories had been replaced by an equally effective come-from-behind register.
Photo by Singapore Turf Club
The Scaredee Cat three-year-old racked up four consecutive wins from his first four runs by either leading or racing close to the speed. At his next run in the Group 3 Singapore Three-Year-Old Sprint (1200m), the first Leg of the Singapore Three-Year-Old Challenge, the Alvin Tan-trained gelding led but found one better in Super Easy while he ran second to Grand Arrival at his last run after travelling handy.
But after beginning moderately for regular partner John Powell in Sunday's $95,000 Class 2 Singapore Airlines A380 Zurich Stakes (1400m), he found himself worse than midfield, spotting the leaders about six to seven lengths, the furthest he had been away up till then.
Up front, U Got It (Muhd Firdaus) set a fairly good clip to the race while Masthead (Joao Moreira) was travelling in fourth about two lengths clear of Speedy Cat, who was sent out as the $12 favourite.
Turning for home, Masthead in one fell swoop hit the lead while Speedy Cat was taking some time to find clear galloping room. But once Powell found a gap, he took him to the outside where Speedy Cat extended nicely to reel in Masthead with ease before drawing clear for a 2 ¾-length win.
Masthead held on for second with Meteor Mile galloping on for third another half-a-length away. The winning time was 1min 23.53secs.
Tan said he was not sure how Speedy Cat would handle the 1400m for the first time, but had been persuaded by Powell to step him up in distance.
“I was a bit worried as he was going over 1400m for the first time,” said Tan. “But the feedback I got from Johnny was he can go over further – 1400m to 1600m.
“We did test the waters in the 3YO series but after he did not win, I told the owners maybe we should drop him back in class and give him more experience first since he's such a good horse.
“He's never disappointed us and I may even consider sending him to Dubai next year if he keeps improving.”
Powell said Speedy Cat was probably more of a get-back type after he noticed he had lost a bit of his gate speed.
“We knew he would not lead today. He did not jump that quick at his last couple of runs,” said the Australian jockey.
“He travelled very well for me at the back and when I took him to the right part of the track, he just quickened so well for me.
“I think he's getting even better and better. I would say today was his best win to-date.”
Speedy Cat has now scored five wins and two seconds from seven starts for stakes earnings in excess of $260,000 for the Alwin Stable.
