A time honored classic, where top racing action and glamour come together – The Singapore Derby is going to be a nail-bitting racing. Champion jockey Hugh Boss has indicated his concerns about Alibi winning the third leg of the Singapore 4 year old challenge. Alibi has won a time. Alibi has won both qualifiers - The Stewards’ Cup (Group 2 race – 1400m) and the Patron’s Bowl (Group 1 race – 1600m), in good time.The 137 running of the Derby features many top Australian and New Zealand bred horses competing with Alibi. Mohd Yusof charge Justice Fair out of Lope De Vega, Commands’ son Infantry trained by Cody Morgan; and Lim’s Samurai by Samurai Heart will definitely give him a run for his money. The reigning Singapore Horse-of-the-Year, Debt Collector, is a notably absent.
The contenders list for The Singapore Derby 2017:
Age: 4; Sex: Bay Gelding; Breeding: Darci Brahma - Bound To Impress (Galileo); Trainer: Michael J Clements; Owner: Alibi Stable
Alibi comes in this race with first, first &second positions in the last three outings respectively.He’s the strongest contender for this race and a likely winner.
Age: 4; Sex: Bay Gelding; Breeding: Casino Prince - Hope Downs (Good Journey); Trainer: Stephen Gray; Owner: Lim's Stable
Lim’s Cruiser comes in this race with fourth, third & seventh positions in the last three outings respectively.Did well in both Stewards' Cup and Patron's Bowl. He’s also won a Group race over 1800m, he’s got the stamina to place in the top five.
Age: 5; Sex: Brown Gelding; Breeding: Commands - Wildesong (Unbridled's Song); Trainer: Cody Morgan; Owner: Mrs M C Morgan & Miss L R Sullivan
Infantry comes in this race with third, second & forth positions in the last three outings respectively. Wildesong son hit the line strongly in the Patron's Bowl. He can win.
Age: 4; Sex: Chestnut Gelding; Breeding: Red Giant - La Panthere (Generous); Trainer: Hai Wang Tan; Owner: Nova Racing Stable
Nova Strike comes in this race with first, fifth & seventh positions in the last three outings respectively.Ran on well late in the QEII Cup over 1800m behind Quechua and that form should hold up here.
Age: 4; Sex: Bay Gelding; Breeding: Fastnet Rock - Romantic River (Irish River); Trainer: Clifford I Brown; Owner: Elite Performance Stable
Elite Excalibur comes in this race with second, fourth & first positions in the last three outings respectively.Has great form over 2000m and he is just coming off a huge run in the Patron's Bowl. He has the capability to win but he should place in the top three.
Age: 4; Sex: Bay Gelding; Breeding: Strategic Maneuver - Dreams And Desires (Encosta De Lago); Trainer: Hai Wang Tan; Owner: MathildaKoh Sock Goon
Absolute Miracle comes in this race with fifth, fifth & seventh positions in the last three outings respectively. It will be an “absolute miracle” if he wins.
Age: 4; Sex: Bay Gelding; Breeding: Faltaat - New Height (Fuji Kiseki); Trainer: Desmond Koh; Owner: Tan Huat
Guru-Guru comes in this race with seventh, eleventh & third positions in the last three outings respectively. Did extremely well in the QEII and he has form this trip.
Age: 4; Sex: Bay Gelding; Breeding: Savabeel - White Mouse (French Deputy); Trainer: Ricardo Le Grange; Owner: Jubilant Racing No 3 Stable
Song To The Moon comes in this race with third, eighth & eighth positions in the last three outings respectively. This son of Savabeel will see out the trip with best work expected late and blinkers off.
Age: 4; Sex: Bay Gelding; Breeding: Samurai Heart - Toho Queen (Mejiro McQueen); Trainer: Laurie K Laxon; Owner: Lim's Stable
Lim’s Samurai comes in this race with eighth, second & first positions in the last three outings respectively. Although the distance could be trying, after Patron’s Bowl display, he should be able to come in the top five, if not top three.
Age: 4; Sex: Bay Gelding; Breeding: Tavistock - Magravine (Last Tycoon); Trainer: Clifford I Brown; Owner: Magstock Stable
Magstock comes in this race with second, second & sixth positions in the last three outings respectively. Not in form for this class of race. Seems to have slipped.
Age: 4; Sex: Bay Gelding; Breeding: Savabeel - Bird (Danasinga); Trainer: Shane D Baertschiger; Owner: Shane Donald Baertschiger
Preditor comes in this race with seventh, fifth & first positions in the last three outings respectively.Found out late in the Patron's Bowl but will lead and always puts himself into contention.
Age: 4; Sex: Grey Gelding; Breeding: Pentire - Marie Claire (O'Reilly); Trainer: Laurie K Laxon; Owner: Oscar Racing Stable
Mr Scorsese comes in this race with ninth, third & first positions in the last three outings respectively.Has the breeding, ability and training to stay the length to push ahead.
Age: 4; Sex: Chestnut Gelding; Breeding: Galileo - Remember When (Danehill Dancer); Trainer: Ricardo Le Grange; Owner: Falcon Racing No 7 Stable
Excellency comes in this race with first, second & tenth positions in the last three outings respectively.A finely bred Chestnut with a lot of fire in his belly. He may suddenly put in a spurt at the last minute.
Age: 4; Sex: Bay Gelding; Breeding: Statue Of Liberty - Teneales Pearl (Redoute's Choice); Trainer: Desmond Koh; Owner: Cheng Ting Kong
Sun Hoplites comes in this race with first, second & tenth positions in the last three outings respectively. Isn’t in his best form for this high-quality race.
Age: 4; Sex: Bay Gelding; Breeding: Lope De Vega - Greta Road (Grape Tree Road); Trainer: Mohd Yusof; Owner: Lucky Stable
Justice Fair comes in this race with first, third & second positions in the last three outings respectively. Should hold out the length but may be out classed.
– 1) Alibi 2) Lim’s Samurai 3) Justice Fair