Trainer Desmond Koh described Guru-Guru as a “blind shot” to the $150,000 Group 3 El Dorado Classic (2200m) on Sunday.
Rated at 63 and carrying the minimum weight of 50kgs, the Faltaat four-year-old will be one of the lightweight roughies in the traditional prelude to the Group 1 Dester Singapore Gold Cup (2200m) in three weeks’ time.
On form, Koh is not holding his breath about a boilover result from Guru-Guru in spite of his back-to-back wins over the mile at his last two outings. They were recorded in Kranji Stakes D and Class 4 company respectively, while this time he is facing a different kettle of fish: The might of last year’s Gold Cup winner Cooptado (92) and other smart staying types such as Time Odyssey (85) and Rockfast (82), among others.
But Koh said it would have been a waste to leave the gelding in his box when he was in such good form. Unfortunately, there was no other contest that was up his alley, except the El Dorado Classic.
“It’s a blind shot. He was supposed to run in a Benchmark 67 over 1800m last week, but it was cancelled,” said the Singaporean handler.
“There was no other race for him. The horse is well and we have to give him one run if we want to test him towards the Gold Cup.
“Against Cooptado or even Rockfast, he faces a very tough task, even if he is carrying only 50kgs, but it’s still a distance race, which is all he needs as a prep race. He’s never gone over the 2200m, but it’s actually a good distance for him.
“He’s raced three times over 2000m and each time was making ground late, an indication that the 200m should help him.”
Koh has booked veteran jockey Azhar Ismail, who knows the New Zealand-bred gelding well for having ridden him at two of his three wins.
“Azhar knows the horse well. He’s an experienced jockey and can ride light,” said Koh.
“It would be nice to get some prizemoney for the owners, Tan Huat Stable, who have been long-time supporters of mine.”
The Tan Huat Stable and Desmond Koh team combined for their most memorable result when Chase Me landed the Group 1 Emirates Singapore Derby (2000m) with the great Joao Moreira up in 2012.
