Te Akau Singapore Sunday Preview

Te Akau Singapore has eight horses entered on Sunday 11 August at Kranji - as Singapore racing concludes permanently on 5 October 2024.

4:30 p.m. R1 9 Rhett Butler (4 g Charm Spirit – Thurlow) – Darren Danis (a1); he drew barrier 4 of 10 in the S$30,000 Class 5 1400 metres on the turf and carries 53kg. He needs to improve to make any impact here.

5:00 p.m. R2 3 Axel (9 g Darci Brahma – Josephines Fortune) – Bernardo Pinheiro; the grand statesman of the stable, he drew barrier 5 of 8 in the S$50,000 Class 4 1400 metres on turf and carries 57.5kg. He disappointed last time however that was on a very firm track which he despises.  He is looking to bounce back on his favourite course and pet distance, with six of his 11 comes coming thus. He heads towards a safe retirement at a riding school in Malaysia in October, and in one of his final starts, he comes in with top four claims, especially if any rain arrives. 

7:00 p.m. R6 8 Stenmark (7 g Medaglia d’Oro – Scandiva) – Darren Danis (a1); he drew barrier 9 of 10 in the S$70,000 Class 3 1200 metres on turf and carries 54.5kg. He displayed a great turn of foot to win back in grade last start, form we know he is capable of is he jumps cleanly, which has been his nemesis. He returns to the more challenging Class 3, but does drop in weight and is a chance to race well again - one of two for the stable in the event. 

7:00 p.m. R6 10 Knippenberg (5 g I Am Invincible – Red Fez) – Carlos Henrique; he drew barrier 3 of 10 also in the S$70,000 Class 3 1200 metres on turf and carries 54kg. He has been beaten by short margins recently, and looks close to dropping back to Class 4, where he will be more effective. He is ideally drawn (3) and presents as a top four chance.

8:00 p.m. R8 6 Te Akau Ben (7 g Tavistock – Danalaga) – Ivan Espindola; he drew barrier 7 of 9 in the S$70,000 Class 3 1200 metres on turf and carries 55.5kg. Seeming to come of age this preparation, the son of Tavistock has won three of his last five appearances, including a last start victory over 1400 metres in Class 4 company. He is indeed racing in top form but today there would be a slight query back to 1200 metres - whilst not ideal, there are now limited opportunities to race with the closure of race ing nigh.

8:30 p.m. R9 10 Istataba (6 m Treasure Beach – Coordenada) – Carlos Henrique; he drew barrier 5 of 10 in the S$300,000 Raffles Cup (Gr. 1, 1600m) on the turf and carries 56.5kg. She has been freshened since finishing second in May, and she has won a trial in preparation for this feature event. Whilst she appears better over 1800m – 2000m and under handicap conditions, she is in good order, and deserves her chance in the Group 1.

9:05 p.m. R10 5 Charminton (6 g Charm Spirit – Sarzana) – Carlos Henrique; he drew barrier 8 of 11 in the S$50,000 Class 4 1200 metres on turf and carries 53kg. He raced well for second last start, and finds himself back in the right sort of race here.  He would have to again be a top three chance but will require luck from barrier eight, the first of two starters for the stable.

9:05 p.m. R10 8 Artillery (4 g Smart Missile – Lycra Lass) – Bernardo Pinheiro; he drew barrier 4 of 11 likewise in the S$50,000 Class 4 1200 metres on turf and carries just  51.5kg. Resuming, he looked good in a recent trial, possesses good course/distance stats, has ability and must be respected.