Handy sprinter Skywalk returns from his unplaced effort in the Lion City Cup (1200m) for his preferred Polytrack surface in Sunday’s S$250,000 Korea Racing Authority Trophy (1200m).
The Battle Paint four-year-old drew marble one in Singapore’s premier sprint race (prizemoney increased to S$1 million this year), but was beaten for early speed. He still scraped paint, but despite the ground-saving run in mid-division, he never flattered when called upon, finishing a mild 10th, seven lengths off the winner Lim’s Cruiser.
English trainer James Peters said the China Horse Club-owned chestnut had excuses, though.
“He was coming back after six days (after winning a Kranji Stakes B race over 1100m the Sunday before), it was not ideal,” he said.
“Dan (Moor) said he didn’t handle the wet track on that day. He’s come through well.
“The KRA Trophy is worth having a go as it’s a set-weights race, and he gets in right at the maximum MRA rating of 95. He also loves the Poly and the distance is not a problem.
“I kept him fresh for two weeks after his last run. He is in good shape, and I was happy with his barrier trial the other day (third to Royal Ruler last Wednesday).”
Champion jockey Vlad Duric, who scored on him at the last of his six wins, jumps back in the irons. -STC