Breeding & Racing Magazine

Aust Stars Draw 2 & 3 For Singapore Gr1 KrisFlyer

In Singapore, Australian visitors Gold Trail (barrier 2) & Eagle Falls (barrier 3) both drew favourable inside gates for the weekend's Gr1 KrisFlyer International Sprint at Kranji.

• Gary Portelli-trained 5YO gelding Gold Trail (Hussonet-Trail Of Gold, by Danewin) cantered on the Kranji Polytrack yesterday morning, covering the last 600m in 41.1sec & the last 200m in 12.9sec. Portelli commented: "He lost a couple of kilos on the flight over, but has put on 3kg since he's been here. I knew the travelling wasn't going to be an issue as he handled his trip to New Zealand without any worries. He looks better here than when he landed in New Zealand where he was a bit tucked up." Although Gold Trail finished last at his only run left-handed, Portelli noted that race had been run on wet ground & emphasised: "It was an absolute bog. They watered the track & then it rained. Michael (Rodd) said he wasn't handling the ground & just shut him down. His rider here (Olivier Placais) has said he's been getting on his right leg without any problems & I have learned to never doubt this horse. He is so laid back that you just never know where he is at sometimes, but I think he's in good order & ready to run a good race." And after Gold Trail drew barrier 2, Portelli declared: "That is sensational. He really gets his chance now. We will try & kick up under Rocket Man & keep the lead. He might sit off us, but I'm sure after 1100m we are going to be right in it. It is going to make for an interesting race."
• David Hayes-trained 4YO gelding Eagle Falls (Hussonet-Desina, by Desert King) had a "quiet canter" on the Kranji Polytrack yesterday morning ridden by travelling foreman Lizzy Jelfs. Hayes commented: "He seems to have come through very well, he's very bright, eating well. He had just a long steady canter over one lap on the Polytrack. He's ready for Sunday." And after Eagle Falls drew gate 3, Hayes added: "It's an ideal barrier. We should be able to follow the pace from there & be the last to challenge on the outside."