Michael Freedman, Tropaios
Michael Freedman’s voice carries an undertone of quiet confidence ahead of a title defence in the S$1.35 million Longines Singapore Gold Cup (2200m).
Tropaios, the wispy chestnut with the extravagant stride, is in a good space right now despite a form line which may suggest otherwise.
Twelve months ago the former French based gelding set Singapore alight and the China Horse Club on a journey its members will long remember when becoming the club’s maiden G1 winner in its first season of racing.
Tommy Berry, Tropaios
Parked at the tail of the field in a moderately run race, Tropaios was handled with exquisite patience by the emerging international rider Tommy Berry. The plan was to ride cold and sneak up the inside round the home corner and ride for luck. Berry, with an unerring sense of a champion jockey in the making, changed plans and elected to pull his mount to the centre of the track upon round the home corner. Edging closer and closer he finally let Tropaios lose and was rewarded with a long sustained run that carried him from last to first and into the Singapore Turf Club’s annals and into the China Horse Club’s record books.
“Tropaios is going very well at the moment. I think he may be going as well as he was last year,” said Freedman. “He is in a good space and I’m really happy with where we have him.”
Flint hard tracks have not aided the five-year-old who, like many former Europeans, prefers a slightly softer racing surface. However, should there be some rain on Sunday afternoon Freedman believes his charge can acquit himself very well.
“It is never an easy race to win and there are some very good horses in this field. But he is right and if he gets conditions to suit he will run right up to his best and hopefully that will see him figure prominently again,” the trainer added.
Joining Tropaios on Longines Gold Cup day will be a series of stable mates. A trio of three-year-olds in A La Victory, Al Valore and Victory Commands will carry the red and yellow colours which are becoming better and better known around world racing.
A La Victory
A La Victory is already a two time winner from only three career outings. Al Valore, a winner himself, is likely to appreciate a step back up in distance and Victory Commands will have his first try and 1600m.
Al Valore