Two years after securing its most celebrated win in Singapore in the S$1.35 million G1 Longines Singapore Gold Cup (2200m), the China Horse Club has been given renewed hope it can again play a lead role in Sunday’s staying showpiece after its two runners drew well at today’s official barrier draw.
Tropaios
Ala Victory
2013 winner Tropaios and progressive three-year-old A La Victory drew barriers three and five respectively in what is expected to be their final starts for the season. Tropaios is already confirmed among the 16 strong field with A La Victory the first of four emergencies.
“I cannot recall when we have drawn so well in one of the major races in Singapore before. Tropaios has won a Longines Gold Cup, placed in an Emirates Derby and last year finished an unlucky fourth in the Gold Cup from wide draws so hopefully a good draw doesn’t turn out to be bad luck,” laughed Eden Harrington, Vice President and Head (Partnerships/Membership) for the China Horse Club.
“What is important is that Michael Freedman has both horses in great order and, should they both get a run, they will run with great aplomb. Tropaios can be enigmatic but the conditions of this race certainly suit him. A La Victory is improving all the time and we believe he will run this trip with a light weight and we would love for him to be given his chance alongside Tropaios.”
Tropaios has contested the last two Longines Gold Cups and produced season best performances on each occasion. Freedman ensured the chestnut hit a career peak in 2013 when Tropaios swooped down the outside with the coldest of rides from jockey Tommy Berry, coming from an impossible last to win in the final strides. Last year Berry again came from well off the pace but saved ground along the rail to ensure Tropaios was again within striking distance to fight out the finish. Unfortunately held up at a vital stage early in the straight, the gelding finished a gallant fourth.
Stablemate A La Victory has is yet to be tried over a staying trip but Freedman long singled him out as a future Singapore Derby prospect and, with that in mind, the Longines Singapore Gold Cup has been a target for some time. Freedman is mindful that three-year-olds have done well in the end of season contest in recent seasons with Quechua (2014) and Better Life (2012) book ending the win by Tropaios.
The duo are set to be joined by three stablemates on the support card with Wimbledon, Zululand and Royal Easter earmarked to compete on Sunday.
If you would like to learn more about the China Horse Club exclusive membership offer, please contact Mr. Eden Harrington or Ms. Fu Peipei. We look forward to hearing from you.
Mr. Eden HARRINGTON eden@chinahorseclub.com (Hp no : +65 93769968)
Ms. FU Peipei peipei@chinahorseclub.com (Hp no : +86 18600929029)