Star Singapore galloper Jimmy Rea was back to his best on Sunday evening when a dominant winner of the Landex Cup.
Quite clearly one of the "boom" horses in Singapore, Jimmy Rea's racing pattern has continually worked against him and has often seen his form misinterpreted.
Beaten as the odds-on favourite at his last three starts, the son of Thewayyouare rewarded his faithful supporters when too strong under new rider Alan Munro.Deemed disappointing behind Southern Boss two back, however the decision to ride Jimmy Rea cold led to his inevitable downfall.
As impressive and as talented as a horse may be, the fact remains they can't defy physics.On that occasion Southern Boss led up in what appeared a fast early tempo, however it couldn't have been further from the truth.
Allowed to coast out in front, Southern Boss reeled off a slick closing sectional - 33.69 seconds for his last 600m.Close to 11L off the lead passing the 800m, Jimmy Rea had too much to do and was unable to wear down Southern Boss.
Recording 44.13 seconds for his last 800m, Jimmy Rea was marked close to 9.5L faster than Southern Boss, however it was simply not enough.On Sunday we saw Alan Munro ride Jimmy Rea more aggressively and in the end it proved the difference with the four-year-old too strong late.
Comparatively Jimmy Rea was marked close to 12L faster for his first 800m than his last start behind Southern Boss.By settling closer to the speed, Jimmy Rea ran his race more efficiently and hence we saw more of what was under the bonnet than in previous efforts.
Placegetters Wimbledon and Super Winner continue to race well and set a decent marker from a ratings performance.Conceding both gallopers a start on straightening, the fact Jimmy Rea was able to pick them off and draw away to score by a length heightened the strength of his performance.
His effort on Sunday saw him return a new career peak surpassing his effort in the Group 1 Singapore Guineas.Trainer Mark Walker now has his sights set on the EW Barker Trophy with a clash with superstar galloper Spalato now on the cards.
Whether he can improve enough to challenge such a high class galloper remains to be seen, however he will get the weight swing in his favour and still looks to possess good upside.Highly touted early doors, Jimmy Rea can reaffirm these beliefs at his next outing, in what will be his sternest test to date.
A winner of six of his 12 starts, he is no doubt a talent and is one worth sticking with.In the final event on Sunday the Stephen Burridge trained Lim's Bullet followed up on his handy maiden win two back, with an impressive win in the Class 4 event.
Lining up for just his fourth career start the son of Battle Paint has always displayed decent ability and looks to be putting it all together now.Ridden patiently from the middle draw, Lim's Bullet conceded quite the start to his rivals on straightening before working his way through the field.
Pulled to the centre inside the 400m, Lim's Bullet travelled strongly and when let rip he displayed a sharp turn of foot hitting the front passing the 300m.The David Kok trained Silver Star hit the line strongly up the inside, but was no match with Lim's Bullet saluting by half a length.
Ridden by Timothy Bell, sadly this would be his last ever ride with the young hoop tragically losing his life when falling from a high-rise apartment on Tuesday night.A bright young star he will be dearly missed and we would like to send our deepest condolences to Tim's family and friends.
