It may not be the end of the world for connections of either Star Victory or The Star if they fail to perform in the $70,000 Restricted Maiden race over 1200m on Saturday, but it may be the end of a late tilt at the $110,000 Group 3 Singapore Three-Year-Old Sprint (1200m).

With their upcoming run only seven days before the feature race next Saturday (June 18), trainers Michael Clements (Star Victory) and Tim Fitzsimmons (The Star) would both like to see "something" before backing up the nominated pair against quality opposition.

"Yes, he would need to win or show plenty to have a crack next week," said Fitzsimmons of the Hallowed Crown gelding who has two runs under his belt.

"We will ride him quieter on Saturday as he didn't seem to appreciate leading at his last start.

"(Jockey) Jake (Bayliss) rode him like that in a trial the other day (second to Bounty Rainbows last Thursday) and he seemed to appreciate it, so we expect him to run well.

"In saying that, (trainer) Jason's (Ong) horse (Major King) looks hardest to beat and Mike's (Star Victory) looked good at the trials too, so it's a great test. But regardless of how he runs, he has to pull up super to go again."

Clements concurred about having to show something to continue on the 3YO Sprint path but was bullish about his charge going forward.

"Look, he's (Star Victory) having his first start and he's a very laid-back type, so we're hoping he clicks into gear on race day," explained the 2020 Singapore champion trainer.

"He had a bit of a reputation from the trials in New Zealand about his potential before arriving but because he is so laid-back, you have to push him to show it.

"We made him work at his second-last trial (May 19 with race-rider Marc Lerner aboard) and that seemed to do the trick. While I think he will be better over further, he could really come alive on race day, so we're expecting a good run with the race next week an option."

But while Star Victory and The Star have auditions pending, it was on with the Singapore 3YO Sprint show for their respective stablemates in Alqantur (Clements) and Golden Monkey (Fitzsimmons) after trials at Kranji on Thursday morning.

In particular, Golden Monkey  impressed when winning heat no. three comfortably in 1 min 0.35secs, setting the quickest time for the day.

"We didn't go out to break a record, (jockey) Oscar (Chavez) rode him quiet so he would run through the line, but he did it easier than we thought and it was really pleasing," enthused Fitzsimmons, who also nominated Gold Ten Sixty-One in that feature race for three-year-olds.

"He has improved since his last run. I think the penny has dropped as Oscar – who rides him next Saturday – said he stood quiet at the gates, jumped well and did everything right in running.

"I think if we can draw a gate next week and he can jump and travel – he did it tough last start from the wide gate – he is showing enough to have a say.

"And he will improve again over 1400m too, so that's exciting heading towards the (Group 2 Singapore Three-Year-Old) Classic for his owners (Golden Monkey Stable) who have been really patient."

Although beaten into second place this morning in the trial by Golden Monkey, Clements was more than happy with Alqantur .

"Look, he's never gone well on the Poly(track), so I thought the trial was very good," said Clements after seeing the Star Turn gelding return from his pleasing hit-out.

"(Jockey Manoel) Nunes held him well to the line and said he had a bit in the reserve and given he thinks he has a better action on the turf, he has a bit in hand going into next week."

After winning his first two starts on the turf, Alqantur was unplaced at his first-up run after a short spell but that was of least concern to Clements going forward.

"No, not at all," continued the Zimbabwean-born handler who is now a naturalised Singaporean.

"He missed the start badly and was never really a chance after that but I thought he got home well enough and I think it was okay and he has come on after that run, so he's in a pretty good place.

"I thought his second win (Novice race over 1400m on February 19) was impressive and that's what we are hoping he shows us next week."

So while Saturday's results may lead to a change in the final lineup of the Singapore 3YO Sprint next week, both Clements and Fitzsimmons should still be on track for a big week at Kranji.