Singapore Derby Draw Thoughts

The Singapore Turf Club reports:

With Sunday's $1.15 Group 1 Emirates Singapore Derby upon us, the atmosphere was fairly relaxed at the Post Position Draw ceremony at Raffles City on Thursday.

The tension to such events can be so thick at times that you can almost cut it with a knife, but with the distance being dropped from 2000m to 1800m this year, the start will be effected down the chute leading up to a 700m run down the back to the first bend, giving runners a bit more leeway to jostle for a good position.

But then, let's not get into the debate of what makes a “good position” for 16 horses layered with different racing patterns and idiosyncrasies.

A spot which affords the most energy-saving run coupled with the ideal tactical scenario is after all still desirable. The main players still held their breath as the various connections walked up to draw their numbers under the magnificent Emirates aeroplane models.

There were some sighs of relief, not as many frowns, mostly neutral expressions.  At the end of the day, races are won on grass come crunch time - not from a hat.

Champion trainer Mark Walker would not be doing a rain dance for Sunday. Except for Kingsman who does not mind a bit of sting out of the ground, Triple Crown-bidder and likely favourite Elite Invincible and Lim's Regard prefer firm going.

“I hope it stays dry. Elite Invincible had two go's and went no good and it will also be a totally different picture for Lim's Regard if it rains,” said Walker.

“Kingsman can handle rain-affected tracks, but he is a slight query over the 1800m. Yes, he stormed home over the mile in the Charity Bowl, but there's a big difference between 1600m and 1800m.

“It's a question mark until he goes over it. I'm not worried about the trip for the other two, they can stay no problem.

“With regards to their barriers, Lim's Regard has drawn six. I haven't spoken to Mr Lim (Siah Mong) yet, but that's the way he races and he will probably go forward.

“Elite Invincible will have plenty of options out there (9). He's better off one out than being tucked away on the fence. For Kingsman, 12 makes no difference really, it's just the trip query.”

Photo - Elite Invincible rider Vlad Duric interviewed by Nicholas Child