Champion mare Better Life did not disappoint her legion of fans when recording a smashing victory in Sunday’s $1.15 million Group 1 Emirates Singapore Derby (2000m), but shortly after she was over the line, trainer Hideyuki Takaoka made the startling revelation that this latest feather to her cap might have well been her swansong.

Trainer Hideyuki Takaoka already had a clear path in mind after Better Life failed in the $3 million Group 1 Singapore Airlines International Cup (2000m) on May 19 – straight to the Derby in two months’ time.

A narrow defeat resuming for the dual G1 winning mare Better Life should not deter backers from doubling up tonight on her in the feature event.

Group 1 Longines Singapore Gold Cup winner Better Life took a step closer to making a return to the racetrack with a barrier trial on Thursday morning.

For someone who has won three Singapore Gold Cups and the Singapore Four-Year-Old Challenge Triple Crown, trainer Hideyuki Takaoka knows all about big-race pressure and was without surprise a picture of calm ahead of the big weekend.