The old adage "champions just find a way to win" was exemplified on Sunday evening, when War Affair came from an impossible position to win the Group 1 Lion City Cup.
A victory that has to be seen to be believed, War Affair was simply breathtaking when coming from near last, before swamping his rivals in the last stride.
Not seen since his unplaced effort in the Group 1 Singapore Gold Cup [2200m], the son of O'Reilly was some query first up, having not won fresh since his 2YO campaign.
At his best over a mile, many felt he could find his rivals too sharp, given he also conceded a key fitness edge to both Zac Spirit and Kiwi Karma.Run off his feet early, War Affair settled second last, with stablemate Petrenui setting a fast tempo out in front — 34.34 seconds for the first 600m.
Pulled to the extreme outside on straightening, War Affair was left with plenty to do, before letting down powerfully — launching late to deny his rivals.His twelfth win from 17 starts, the recently crowned Horse Of The Year further pushed the notion that he is simply a level above.
On Timeform ratings, War Affair was not marked up to his best, however he remains the third highest rated winner of the Lion City Cup, behind Rocket Man and Super Easy.
The champion two-year-old and three-year-old of his generation, War Affair will now embark on the Four-Year-Old Challenge — kicking off with the Group 2 Stewards Cup [1400m], before contesting the Group 1 Patron's Bowl [1600m] and the Group 1 Singapore Derby [2000m].While there is no certainty in racing, it would take a brave man to suggest he will beaten in either of the three races.
War Affair is unlikely to be any sort of betting proposition in the near future, however he still creates plenty of interest, as we eagerly await to see to whether he can eclipse his master Timeform rating achieved in the 2014 Raffles Cup.The Laurie Laxon trained Mr Spielberg continues to make impressive ratings spikes, culminating with a dominant win in the third event.
A notable third behind the talented Hughsy two back, the son of Pentire relished the step up to 2200m, when saluting by close to four lengths.Ridden by Manoel Nunes, Mr Spielberg always travelled strongly, settled towards the rear.
Forced to switch off heels to get into clear running on straightening, Mr Spielberg quickly dashed to the front, putting the race over in a few strides.Eased down over the concluding stages, he was arguably the most impressive winner of the day and recorded a new career peak in the process.
Since breaking his maiden status back in January, Mr Spielberg has improved 23 pounds and is clearly on an upward spiral.Comparatively he recorded the seven quickest overall time, with his last 600m marked close to eight lengths inside standard.
The Group 1 Singapore Gold Cup has been suggested as a possible target for the three-year-old and at this stage he is heading in the right direction.Both Hughsy and Stepitup deserve honourable mentions, having impressed in their feature wins - Group 3 Admiralty Classic and Group 2 Queen Elizabeth II Cup.
The former clinched his first stakes success and appears well on his way to contesting the Group 1 Singapore Derby.Stepitup brought up his first victory since February last year, in one of the many thrilling finishes on Sunday.
Trained by Laurie Laxon the son of Hussonet was marked up to his career peak and is clearly racing in great form this preparation.On Friday night the Desmond Koh trained Famous Artist proceeded to turn heads, when leading throughout on debut.
Jumping away well in the centre, Famous Artist took up the running and while keen under Manoel Nunes, he travelled strongly entering the straight.Shaken up passing the 500m, Famous Artist exploded away drawing four lengths clear inside the 300m.
Eased down the last 100m, the three-year-old trotted in, saluting by five lengths.Comparatively he recorded easily the second quickest time of the night and was marked just two-and-a-half lengths slower than talented sprinter Ghost.
Although you never want to get too carried away with a debut winner, he has put up a performance well above an average maiden and should be followed closely.