The boom on Lim’s Cruiser has died down a touch after his two defeats in the first two Legs of the Singapore Four-Year-Old Challenge.
But trainer Stephen Gray is confident the son of Casino Prince can take centrestage when it really matters in this Sunday’s third Leg and grand final, the $1.15 million Group 1 Emirates Singapore Derby (2000m).
Lim’s Cruiser was coming off a hot streak of three Group successes, the Group 2 EW Barker Trophy, Group 3 Rocket Man Sprint and Group 1 Lion City Cup and was widely tipped as the early favourite to the four-year-old series.
Lion City Cup victor Lim's Cruiser is aiming to regain his shine in the Derby, picture Singapore Turf Club.
But he first ran third to Alibi in the Group 2 Stewards’ Cup (1200m) when sent out as the even-money favourite before faring not any better in the Group 1 Patron’s Bowl (1400m) when fourth to the same Alibi.
Gray thought the Lim’s Stable galloper was a little stiff at his last run, but still showed plenty of ticker to run up close to the winner.
“He was a little unlucky. He couldn’t get a run between the 300m and 400m,” said the Kiwi handler who won the 2007 Singapore Derby with another horse raced by Mr Lim Siah Mong, Lim’s Prestige.
“By the time he came out, it was too late. The bird had flown but he still found the line very strongly.
“He’s still in good form and he worked good this morning. We will just keep him ticking over until Sunday.”
Gray has always had the Derby as Lim’s Cruiser’s main mission, but that does not necessarily mean he thinks the 101-rated gelding has got the trip down pat.
“The trip is a concern. I always thought he needed a trip but he is going over 2000m for the first time, and that is always a concern,” said Gray.
“He’s won the Lion City Cup and now he is in the Derby. Not many horses can boast that to their resume.
“Look, he is fresh-up, he ran super at his last two runs. His form is very good and maybe his luck will change on Sunday.”
Lim’s Cruiser will be partnered by jockey Danny Beasley who has come on board since the Rocket Man Sprint.
Gray also had recent Class 4 winner El Don – whose rating of 59 points is 42 points behind Lim’s Cruiser - in the nominations for the Derby, but has in the end decided to race the son of Don Eduardo in the easier $80,000 Kranji Stakes C race over 2000m.
