Full Field for Singapore Gold Cup

A field of 16, with four emergencies, was drawn Wednesday for Sunday’s S$1.35-million (US$951,335) Longines Singapore Gold Cup, the richest and most prestigious event on the local racing calendar.

Trainer Laurie Laxon had easily the best luck at the draw, as he selected gate one for Stepitup (Aus) (Hussonet) and the next stall for the long-winded Valbuena (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}). The former will get to take the shortest way around as he looks to complete the older horse Triple Crown, having defeated last year’s Gold Cup hero Quechua (Arg) (Pure Prize) in the Kranji Mile Oct. 4 prior to a last-gasp defeat of Fastnet Dragon (Aus) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) last time out in the Raffles Cup over 1800 meters Oct. 25.

“This is perfect for Stepitup and Valbuena,” said trainer Laurie Laxon, a two-time winner of the Gold Cup (2004, 2007). “They will drop behind  the leaders and enjoy an economical run on the fence.” Laxon will also send out Martin (NZ) (Colombia {NZ}) and the last of the emergencies, Mr Spielberg (NZ) (Pentire {GB}).

Trainer Patrick Shaw, who orchestrated the career of the great sprinter Rocket Man (Aus) (Viscount {Aus}), was winning his second Gold Cup courtesy of Quechua last fall and he, too, saddles a total of four runners. Emperor’s Banquet (Aus) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) completed a stable one-two in last year’s Gold Cup, while former Dubai galloper Cooptado (Arg) (Equal Stripes {Arg}) and Perfect P (Aus) (Perfectperformance) also represent the barn.

“Quechua was drawn wide last [year] [15] and he won. So I’m not too worried about that,” said the conditioner. “He will be on the speed with [jockey] Corey [Brown] and won’t be too far back, following Order Of The Sun (Aus) (Encosta de Lago {Aus}). Emperor’s Banquet and Perfect P have drawn well. They can see what’s happening on their inside and make a decision from there. Cooptado is well drawn and that suits him, as he is a horse that likes to follow handy.”