Te Akau Singapore Sunday Preview

Singapore's Champion Trainer of 2015 and 2017, Te Akau's Mark Walker has recorded 22 wins, 23 second and 22 third placings - the highlight thus far being the Group 2 Merlion Trophy win by Distinctive Darci.


Sunday 20 May 2018

5.40 p.m. R2 5 ACCUMULATION - MIichael Rodd; the first runner for the stable today steps out in this Restricted Maiden 2&3YO WFA 1400m on the turf long course E. This 3YO Rip Van Winkle was educated in New Zealand and debuts today from gate six of 12 runners and carries 57kgs with the senior Australian rider engaged. He is a nice staying horse with just one trial in Singapore but was well trialled in New Zealand. Racing over 1400m first up is not the normal approach but he is a lovely staying horse in the making - top four chance.

6.40 p.m. R4 7 BAN THE DOUBT - App Razali Zawari (a1); this 3YO filly drops to 53.5kgs with the apprentice aboard in the Maiden 1200m on the turf long course E and will break from gate six. Facing 11 opponents in the S$20,000 event, she has been racing honestly but without any real success. She gets her chance tonight in a Maiden field that is not the strongest - top four chance.

7.15 p.m. R5 6 KINGSMAN - Vlad Duric; a good winner three starts ago, this son of Darci Brahma has unfortunately drawn the carpark (12 of 12) for the Kranji Stakes B SW 1100m on the polytrack. With 56.5kgs allocated, this 4YO Kiwi owned gelding comes in fresh but on the back of fantastic form - however he has a tricky draw to overcome and if they go hard up front - a top four prospect.

8.50 p.m. R8 13 BAO SHAN MAGIC - TBA; unfortunately on the ballot for the Kranji Stakes B SW 1100m on the polytrack where he would jump from gate seven and carry 56.5kgs - a top four chance if he made the field.

9.25 p.m. R9 1 COUSTEAU - Alan Munro; three runners gives Mark Walker a strong hand in this Class 4 Premier 1000m on the polytrack where the first stable rep. draws best (5) and has 57kgs assigned. A 3YO by Exceed and Excel he finally gets a reasonable draw for his third Singapore start - the plan is to get cover and get him to settle - if he does, he rates a top four chance.

9.25 p.m. R9 5 HAYTHAM - Benny Woodnorth; the second for the stable in this 
S$60,000 event will jump from the carpark (12 of 12) and has 56.5kgs on his back. This 4YO last start winner will find it a challenge from this draw and does meet a tougher field - place chance.

9.25 p.m. R9 6 BEN GUNN - App Norman Hanafi (a4); the final runner of the trio in this race was a smart winner on debut three starts ago and with the benefit of the maximum apprentice claim, he carries 52.5kgs and breaks from gate eight. Another 4YO won first up fresh last prep. and while 1000m may be a touch short, he presents as one for longer each way odds.

9.55 p.m. R10 8 SACRED SEA - Vlad Duric; the final runner for Mark Walker lines up in the Raffles' Racing colours in the Class 4 Non-Premier 1800m on the turf long course E where he draws seven and has 56.5kgs with the top rider engaged. Having his fourth Kranji start in this S$45,000 affair, he has been a shade disappointing since arriving in Singapore but he does get to the right distance this time (being by the European sire Sea the Stars) - place prospect.