Trainer John O'Hara is brimming with confidence ahead of stable star Spalato's (NZ) (Elusive City) run in the $350,000 Group 2 Merlion Trophy (1200m) on Sunday.
The smart six-year-old resumed in a speed dash over 1000m on February 14, three months after he ran a gallant second to Gold Rutile (Gold Halo) in the Group 2 EW Barker Trophy (1400m) in November. If there were any queries about residual fitness, they were promptly answered in the way he smashed his rivals in a sizzling 57.93 seconds over Polytrack 1000m, despite lugging the steadier of 59.5kg.
O'Hara is aware weights and measures are in his corner, but remains cautious nonetheless.
"He's pulled up in great order - he's eating well and is working well. This race has brought him on and he is definitely a fitter horse than he was first-up," said the Singaporean conditioner.
"You would think the level weights of the Merlion Trophy will be to his advantage, but he's up against some very good horses. You still have to respect them."
Indeed, this year's renewal looks to have brought together a vintage crop of topline gallopers. Heading the list is 2015 Singapore Horse of the Year Stepitup (Hussonet) who is making his 2016 debut, the winner of the last two editions, El Padrino (NZ) (Mr Nacho), who, on the strength of his last two closing seconds, can certainly add win No 3, and of course the only mare in the field, Kiwi Karma (NZ) (Fast 'n' Famous), an imposing winner of her last two starts.
Despite the stellar line-up, Graham Mackie's champion is still expected to start as the warm favourite.
"He will gallop tomorrow. It's the usual last hit-out I give my horses before they race," said O'Hara.
"Most probably it'll be Corey (Brown) who will ride him. Or else it will be (senior track rider) Rochelle (Lockett).
"Corey keeps the ride as he rode him a treat the last time, and Michael Rodd is still out injured."
Brown stood in at the last minute after Rodd was injured in a barrier trial fall. With Rodd not expected to be back until late March, the loss has certainly been his fellow Australian's gain.
The former Singapore Derby winner will not have to worry about giving weight all round this time. Upgraded to Group 2 status this year, the Merlion Trophy is a weight-for-age event and is also the first Leg of the Singapore Sprint Series. -STC
The smart six-year-old resumed in a speed dash over 1000m on February 14, three months after he ran a gallant second to Gold Rutile (Gold Halo) in the Group 2 EW Barker Trophy (1400m) in November. If there were any queries about residual fitness, they were promptly answered in the way he smashed his rivals in a sizzling 57.93 seconds over Polytrack 1000m, despite lugging the steadier of 59.5kg.
O'Hara is aware weights and measures are in his corner, but remains cautious nonetheless.
"He's pulled up in great order - he's eating well and is working well. This race has brought him on and he is definitely a fitter horse than he was first-up," said the Singaporean conditioner.
"You would think the level weights of the Merlion Trophy will be to his advantage, but he's up against some very good horses. You still have to respect them."
Indeed, this year's renewal looks to have brought together a vintage crop of topline gallopers. Heading the list is 2015 Singapore Horse of the Year Stepitup (Hussonet) who is making his 2016 debut, the winner of the last two editions, El Padrino (NZ) (Mr Nacho), who, on the strength of his last two closing seconds, can certainly add win No 3, and of course the only mare in the field, Kiwi Karma (NZ) (Fast 'n' Famous), an imposing winner of her last two starts.
Despite the stellar line-up, Graham Mackie's champion is still expected to start as the warm favourite.
"He will gallop tomorrow. It's the usual last hit-out I give my horses before they race," said O'Hara.
"Most probably it'll be Corey (Brown) who will ride him. Or else it will be (senior track rider) Rochelle (Lockett).
"Corey keeps the ride as he rode him a treat the last time, and Michael Rodd is still out injured."
Brown stood in at the last minute after Rodd was injured in a barrier trial fall. With Rodd not expected to be back until late March, the loss has certainly been his fellow Australian's gain.
The former Singapore Derby winner will not have to worry about giving weight all round this time. Upgraded to Group 2 status this year, the Merlion Trophy is a weight-for-age event and is also the first Leg of the Singapore Sprint Series. -STC