War Affair Two-Thirds of the Way Home in Singapore

Fifth behind Quechua when trying 11 furlongs for the first and only time in his career in the prestigious Longines Singapore Gold Cup last November, the gelding resumed against the best local sprinters in the Apr. 26 Lion City Cup and came with a spectacular late run to tag the talented Zac Spirit (Aus) (Flying Spur {Aus}). Sent off at the minimum six cents on the dollar in the Stewards Cup last time, he had to dig more than expected en route to Sunday’s Patron’s Bowl at Kranji. 

Settled in the latter half of the field down the backstretch while about three wide on the track, War Affair was patiently ridden by Alan Munro, but was forced to cover a bit of ground on the turn. The champ cruised up under hands and heels to challenge about 300 meters from the line and came away to an easy victory despite never switching over to his correct lead. 

“I’m just so proud of him. He is the best horse here and he always knows what he is doing,” said winning trainer Alwin Tan. “This was a better win than over 1400 meters. He’s definitely better over the mile. The plan was to wait a little longer this time, as it’s over 1600 meters, and it’s paid off. Alan knows this horse very well now and rode another perfect race on him.” 

Tan added, “We prepped him well for this race. I backed him off after the first week and started increasing his workload in the second week. The Derby is on target, but the distance will be another challenge as he’s never gone over such a long distance before, even if he’s run over 2200 meters once.” 

Though lingering questions remain about War Affair chances to stay the 2000 meters of the Derby, Tan is nevertheless considering an intriguing overseas target. 

“I have not really thought of any race, but a race like the Cox Plate could be something to consider,” mused Tan.

PATRON’S BOWL, S$500,000 (US$372,771), Kranji, 6-21, 4yo, 1600mT, 1:33.45, gd. 
1–WAR AFFAIR (NZ), 126, g, 4, O’Reilly (NZ)–Kristique, by Kris S. (NZ$70,000 yrl ‘12 NZBPRE). O-Warplan Racing Stable; B-Trelawney Thoroughbred Ltd; T-Alwin Tan; J-Alan Munro; S$296,250. Lifetime Record: Horse of the Year, Ch. Miler, Ch. 2yo & Ch. 3yo-Sin, 19-14-3-0, S$2,523,589. 
2–Quechua (Arg), 126, g, 4, Pure Prize–Queen Cabaret (Brz), by Wild Event. O-Avengers Stable. S$106,250. 
3–Magneto (Arg), 126, g, 4, Footstepsinthesand (GB)–Siusi (Arg), by Engrillado (Arg). O-Avengers Stable. 
Margins: 3, HF, 2 1/4. Odds: 0.40, 6.00, 8.60.
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