The winners of Singapore’s feature races are expected to come to Melbourne for the spring carnival, with both sets of connections declaring targets in November.
Singapore speedster Rocket Man staked his claim as the world’s best sprinter with his win in the Group 1 Krisflyer International Sprint (1200m).
Rocket Man won by four and three quarter lengths from Eclair Fastpass, with Perfect Pins in third.
Trainer Patrick Shaw couldn’t hide his delight after the race and has thrown down the gauntlet to Australian queen Black Caviar.
“I’ve been wanting it. We’ll take her on any time,” Shaw said.
“He’ll beat her, I’ve always thought he’s clearly the better horse.”
Shaw will now travel to Melbourne to inspect facilities with the intention of bringing his star for the Group 1 Patinack Farm Classic (1200m) on the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Due to his win in the Krisflyer, he will be eligible for a winning purse of $1.2 million.
Meanwhile, Group 1 Singapore International Cup (2000m) winner Gitano Hernando is a likely candidate for Australia’s greatest race, the Melbourne Cup.
Trainer Herman Brown indicated after his last run in Hong Kong that he would be set for the Melbourne Cup.
Pre-race, Brown expressed concern that the Kranji track would be too tight for his charge.
Still, Gitano Hernando was given a perfect ride by Sydney jockey Glyn Schofield and managed to hold off the late charge of River Jetez.
Irian and Waikato dead heated for third.
The connections of Gitano Hernando have tackled the Melbourne Cup before with 2009 third placegetter Mourilyan.
Both horses are owned by Ramzan Kadyrov, the president and dictator of Chechnya.
It is also believed River Jetez could be in line to come for the Cox Plate.
Written by Andrew Hawkins
