Star US mare Parranda lived up to all expectations when taking out the inaugural Group 1 CECF Singapore Cup on Sunday.
At just her second start for the Christophe Clement stable, the daughter of English Chanel followed up on her dominant win in the Group 3 Marshua's River Stakes [1700m] — recording a new career peak in Sunday's feature event.
Quickly taking over on straightening, the Nicolas Clement trained Ming Zhi Cosmis did issue an early challenge, when looming up strongly passing the 300m.
However under urgings by Soumillon, Parranda proved the superior stayer, when drawing clear over the concluding stages.Saluting by just over two lengths, Parranda displayed a sharp turn of foot, with her last 600m marked over 10 lengths inside standard.
The Jason Warren trained Zululand really impressed on debut for his new stable, when hitting the line strongly to finish second.In just his second start beyond a mile, the son of Fastnet Rock was back to near his best and appears on track to make his presence felt during the Singapore 3YO Challenge.
While unable to salute the judge since April last year, Zululand is definitely capable and wasn't far off the mark in some of Australia's leading 3YO events.
Star galloper Affleck currently heads the 3YO ranks in Singapore, with Zululand now adding plenty of intrigue.If able to build on his performance from Sunday, Zululand appears capable of testing the Laurie Laxon trained galloper — something we haven't witnessed, since Affleck was beaten in the Group 2 Golden Horseshoe.
Kiwi Karma
Having really impressed on debut for the Michael Clements stable last start, the daughter of Fast 'N' Famous proceeded to raise the bar again, when recording a new career peak in the feature event.
The only galloper to ever defeat Affleck, Kiwi Karma finished in the top two in all eight starts for the Laurie Laxon stable, before joining Clements' stable.Proving to have minimal chinks in her armour, the step up to 1400m appeared the biggest query, however Kiwi Karma quickly silenced her critics.
A brilliantly timed ride by Manoel Nunes also played a major role, with the leading jockey electing to wait and not pull the trigger until well into the straight.Despite settling second, Nunes eased Kiwi Karma back to fifth rounding the turn for home, with the rest of the field quickly showing their hands.
Conserving Kiwi Karma's energy paid dividends, as when given full bore inside the 300m, she was too sharp for her rivals.Favourite Jimmy Rea was disappointing on face value, however it can be attributed to the quick back up.
He still ran well, however his high rating performance last start, appeared to take the gloss off him.Kiwi Karma will now embark on the Singapore 3YO Challenge and at this stage poses the biggest threat to star galloper Affleck.
Her performance on Sunday, sees her rated not far off Affleck, when taking the fillies allowance into account.Unseen since his demolition of the Group 3 More Magic 3YO Championship, Affleck's return remains highly anticipated.
Magneto
Unseen since his second placing in the Group 2 EW Barker Trophy, the four-year-old continued to make impressive ratings spikes last preparation, culminating with a third placing in the Group 1 Kranji Mile.
At his best between 1400m - 1600m, the four-year-old was susceptible over the 1200m journey, however his class shone bright, when leading throughout.Forced to work to find the front from the wide draw, Magneto was vulnerable over the concluding stages, however he really dug in deep to hold out the fast finishing Cavallo.
Comparatively he was marked over six lengths quicker than any other race on Sunday and recorded a closing sectional three lengths inside standard.Recording a Timeform rating just two pounds shy of his peak, Magneto is open to good improvement stepping up in trip and is definitely a galloper worth following.
