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Singapore Weekend Review - August 22nd and 24th

Classy sprinter Huka Falls was back to his winning ways, proving far too good in Sunday's feature sprint event.

Reunited with premier jockey Joao Moreira, Huka Falls took full advantage of a well judged ride, saluting easily in the Jockey Club Of Turkey Trophy.

Settled third just off the speed, Huka Falls quickly strode to the front, when popped the question on straightening.

Kicking strongly inside the 200m, the now five-year-old held off the late charge of the David Kok trained Italian Job, to score by just over a length.

Huka Falls
Huka Falls Picture: Singapore Turf Club

Appearing extremely well placed with just 52.5kg, Huka Falls notched up his first victory since January this year.

Under the weight conditions, Huka Falls wasn't required to run up to his best and only marginally improved on his effort in the Woodlands Handicap.

On Timeform ratings, his performance was marked seven pounds below his best, suggesting more improvement is up his sleeve.

Leading trainer Laurie Laxon said he would target the Group 3 Jumbo Jet Trophy (1400m) —somewhat unchartered territory for the son of Align.

In 24 starts Huka Falls has only been seen once beyond 1200m, failing over 1400m at just his third career start.

On that occasion the track was slow, so maybe the performance can be forgiven — Huka Falls is at his best when on top of the ground.

Prior to Sunday's event, Huka Falls had only won when leading.

Now proven successful when ridden off the speed, it adds another string to his bow.

The lesser tempo of the 1400m should help aid Huka Falls running out the trip and while Joao Moreira will not be in the saddle, he has to be kept safe.

Interestingly enough, talented sprinter Mr Big won the 2013 Jumbo Jet Trophy at his first attempt at 1400m, when leading throughout with Corey Brown aboard.

Promising sprinter Italian Job is another galloper who should be followed closely out of Sunday's event.

Italian Job
Italian Job Picture: Racing and Sports

Stepping out for just his tenth career start, Italian Job recorded a new career peak behind Huka Falls, and ready for a prosperous campaign.

Although it was some time ago, Italian Job's winning performance on the polytrack back in December recorded time figures well ahead of the form, and marked him as a serious prospect.

Having just three starts since, Italian Job is on track to continue this improvement and a victory doesn't appear far away.

The Theo Keiser trained Super Winner created a big impression on Friday night, when leading throughout to score on debut in the second event.

Super Winner
Super Winner Picture: Singapore Turf Club

Sent out the very short priced favourite, the son of Kaphero lived up to his impressive trial performances, giving his rivals little hope in the event.

Jumping away slowly, Super Winner recovered to take up the running with Soo Khoon Beng aboard.

Finding the fence passing the 900m, Super Winner travelled strongly entering the straight.

Shaken up passing the 400m, Super Winner displayed a sharp turn of foot to quickly draw clear of his rivals.

Eased down in the final 100m, Super Winner saluted comfortably by four lengths, with the clock backing up the strength of his performance.

Super Winner's performance was marked 5.5L superior to the only 1100m race on the card (fourth event).

Though in comparison to only a Class 5 event, Super Winner's performance was also the quickest overall on the night.

His performance returned figures similar to a Class 3 event and is definitely a galloper to be black booked.

The Michael Clements trained Zedkaar was unable to salute on Friday night, but his performance held plenty of merit in the seventh event.

Zedkaar
Zedkaar Picture: Singapore Turf Club

Stepping out for his first attempt beyond a mile, the son of Ekraar hit the line gamely, to be narrowly defeated by the Leslie Khoo trained War Time.

Unsuited by the dawdling tempo, Zedkaar's performance was most impressive, reeling off easily the quickest closing sectional of the event.

The eventual winner/leader, War Time, recorded a closing sectional of 32.98 seconds — further highlighting Zedkaar's performance to make up so much ground, from midfield.

Only lightly raced, Zedkaar is heading in the right direction and is a galloper to keep a close eye on.


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