Things may not have quite panned out as hoped for Gilt Complex in Dubai, but trainer Cliff Brown was overall still happy with the experience his charge will gain from a future perspective.
It’s true that the 2017 Group 1 Dester Singapore Gold Cup (2200m) winner did not quite get a look-in at his two Meydan outings, but having had a first-hand sample of the type of horseflesh in this part of the world off the back of his 2016 Singapore Horse of the Year Debt Collector’s comprehensive defeat in the Group 1 Dubai Turf (1800m) last year, the Australian somehow knew what was in store for Gilt Complex.
First-up, ridden by his Singapore Gold Cup-winning partner Michael Rodd, the Gold Centre six-year-old finished ninth to Leshlaa in a 2000m race on February 8. He still finished the best for Singapore with the two other Kranji contenders, the Stephen Gray-trained pair of Newlands (13th) and Bahana (14th) filling the last two spots.
With that first run under the belt, hopes for an improved performance were not uncalled for next time out, but Gilt Complex ran last in the Group 3 Dubai Millennium Stakes over 2000m on February 22. He was that time ridden by South African jockey Bernard Fayd’Herbe.
Brown said the plan was always to test Gilt Complex over at least three lead-up races during the Dubai World Cup Carnival, hoping one good run would earn him a berth in the race he is entered in, the US$1 million Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup (3200m) on March 31.
That final salvation now rests squarely on the US$250,000 Group 2 Dubai City Of Gold (2410m) this Saturday. Newlands (see other report) will also line up for a two-pronged attack in restoring some pride for Singapore.
Being the down-to-earth man he has always been, Brown would, however, be surprised if Gilt Complex did not take his spot at his scheduled flight back home on Monday. The word “miracle” was even used to illustrate his level of confidence ahead of the Super Saturday race, which is slated to go to post at 11.30pm Singapore time as the last on the seven-race programme.
“That’s his last run, unless something miraculous happens,” said Brown.
“At his last start, he got back to last, and they made it hard for him upfront. He needs to regroup for his next run, though I would say he has reached a better fitness level now.
“He’s got an interesting new rider in Adrie de Vries. He’s a Dutch jockey and has got a good record in Dubai.
“Adrie galloped him a few times, including Tuesday when he had one of the good UK horses as a galloping companion. I was there to see that workout.”
Gilt Complex has drawn off the track in barrier No 12, which is not so critical in a 1 ½ mile race. The out-and-out stayer will also appreciate the extra 410m.
“Adrie was very happy with his last gallop. He told me the best part was the last 200m when he really went through the line,” said Brown.
“That tells me he has reached his best form, and the 12 furlongs will suit him better, but look, the class of horses there is incredibly high, and he still faces a stiff task. You learn all the time when you travel horses.”
Should Gilt Complex fly home alongside Bahana (Newlands is reportedly England-bound for more overseas staying raids) on Monday, Brown would then prepare the Graham Mackie-owned gelding towards his next immediate goal on his home turf.
“If he pulls up good, we may even be looking at the Kranji Mile first-up for him,” he said.
Formerly known as the first Leg of the Singapore Triple Crown series, the Group 1 mile race has been revamped into the next International race in Singapore from next year. As an intermediate step, it will this year be staged as an Invitational race on May 26 with its total purse increased to $1.5 million.
