Trainer Alvin Tan still believes Touch Of Gold has what it takes to succeed at a higher echelon following the gelding’s pulverising win on Sunday.
Photo by Singapore Turf Club
The Captain Rio four-year-old did show he could measure up to Group company with a brave second to Totality in the Group 3 Three Rings Trophy (1400m) on February 17, but then disappointed at his next race in the Group 3 Merlion Trophy (1200m) when comprehensively beaten by stablemate Speedy Cat.
But the swagger was certainly back in the way Touch Of Gold made light work of his six rivals in the $75,000 Class 3 race over 1200m after sitting off the breakneck speed upfront. It was not long before the pacesetters came back to him and all that was left to do was for him to sprint clear and establish a handy record that now stands at four wins and two placings from eight starts and prizemoney fast approaching the $200,000 mark for the Oasis Stable.
Tan said he was not really let down by Touch Of Gold’s sixth in the Merlion Trophy, convinced his day in the sun would come sooner or later.
“I was not too disappointed with his run in the Merlion Trophy. It was a stronger field for sure, but I think he just needs more time to step it up,” said Tan.
“He proved today he was up there among the best here. To me, he is my second-best horse in the yard after Speedy Cat.
“I’ve nominated him for the (Group 1) KrisFlyer (International Sprint over 1200m on May 19) and hopefully he can make the cut, but he will have to get at least one more run under his belt first.”
Moreira, who was at his first association with Touch Of Gold, concurred with the trainer a feature win would not be outside the realms of possibility.
“This is a horse who has always shown promise,” said the leading jockey. “I remember his second to Totality in the Three Rings Trophy was pretty good and today he lived up to his favourite tag very convincingly.
“I know I was told to be close to the pace and I guess they were pretty worried when I was too far back, but with the fast pace, I thought the best place for him was to be there.
“He was always travelling relaxed and once I gave him a dig, I knew he would win. Those who had gone so fast in front were always going to weaken.
“That is why he won by more than four lengths in the end. Even though the circumstances of the race made his win look good, I think he should be able to race against the big guys one day.”
Sent out as the $12 favourite, Touch Of Gold sped away to a 4 ¼-length win from Natural Nice (Danny Beasley) with Sichuan Ruler (John Powell) third another nose away to run the 1200m on the Long Course in the slick time of 1min 9.67secs, only 0.67 second outside the record established by talented filly Mexican Rose in 2010.
Tan came within a whisker of scoring a rare treble in the next race, but Probo Chandroso (Beasley) was denied by a short head by Palombaro (Moreira, $17) in the last hop of the $35,000 Kranji Stakes D Division 1 race over 1100m.
