The $S3 million (RMB 14 million) Singapore Airlines International Cup remains squarely in the cross-hairs of Parranda after a stunning first up display for new trainer Michael Freedman.
The CECF Singapore Cup heroine has not been seen since taking out the nation’s richest race six weeks ago and despite needing to undergo quarantine and build a core level of fitness again, Parranda was fighting out the finish against Singapore’s best older horses in the S$350,000 (RMB 1.6 million) Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m).
“That was her first run over 2000m here in Singapore and her first run for six weeks and it was a bob of the heads to see who would win,” said trainer Michael Freedman yesterday.
Michael Freedman(left) being interviewed
“I think all in all it was a terrific run. Now, with that run under her belt, I would like to put her in the Singapore Airlines International Cup.”
Parranda settled fifth or six in the nine strong field under the guidance of jockey Michael Rodd. The chestnut mare was allowed to creep closer to the lead going into the home corner and, upon turning into the straight was eyeballing race leader Slew of Lode.
Under Rodd’s urgings Parranda roared down the Singapore home straight with Slew of Lode and last season’s Longines Gold Cup winner Quechua while G1 winners Stepitup and Wild Geese followed in quick pursuit. The race fit Quechua was the first to challenge Parranda as Slew of Lode was unable to match the acceleration of the pair. The two Singapore based star performers tore at each other for almost 400m with neither giving an inch. At a time when Parranda’s fitness should have given way she dug deep into her reserves to continue fighting back Quechua. Inside the final 100m Stepitup, the former star three-year-old, closed to join in the tussle, Wild Geese was also making his run. At the line four horses hit the finish in a photo with Parranda finishing third beaten a head and short head.
Parranda finishing 3rd(highlighted in colour)
“An exceptional first run and all we could have hoped for in what was her final tune up before the Singapore Airlines International Cup,” said Eden Harrington, General Manager for the China Horse Club.
Eden Harrington(left) with Michael Freedman(right)
“Parranda was immensely game and tough and her owners and all in the club as a whole should be wonderfully proud of her efforts. These are the best older horses in Singapore and she was conceding fitness to all of them. That run will really bring her on and that is exciting.”
Rodd was equally pleased with Parranda’s effort.
Jockey Michael Rodd
“I was going to settle a little further forward but the field began well and so I let them go and then they put the breaks on (slowed up) in the back straight,” Rodd said.
“I put myself within striking distance [coming into the straight] and gee she was brave, she is a good horse.”
Champion jockey Christophe Soumillon has been monitoring the progress of Parranda since partnering her in the CECF Singapore Cup in February. The Belgian was clear when last in Singapore that he would love to continue his association with the six-year-old mare should she contest Singapore’s premier international event.