Leading apprentice jockey Troy See was glad he had hit a new milestone to his budding riding career when he landed his first Group 1 ride in Saturday’s $1.5 million Invitational Kranji Mile – Maximus for trainer Alwin Tan.

To get thrown a second bone in a similar event on the same day went beyond his wildest dreams. Trainer Young Keah Yong is putting See back on for the ride on Lord Of Cloud in the $1 million Group 1 Singapore Guineas (1600m) at that Super Saturday that also features the $1 million Lion City Cup (1200m) in which See is not riding.

Granted, the two bookings did not come as a big surprise as the Singaporean has partnered Maximus at 10 of his 13 starts for all the US-bred’s six wins that all came on Polytrack.



Maximus (Troy See) has some big scalps to claim if they are to win the Kranji Mile, picture Singapore Turf Club

He has ridden Lord Of Cloud at two of his six starts, including a win first-up in a Class 4 Non Premier race (1000m) on March 4 before the pair literally came from the clouds to run sixth to Be Bee in the first Leg of the Singapore Three-Year-Old Challenge, the Group 3 Singapore Three-Year-Old Sprint (1200m) a month later.

See, who currently tops the Singapore apprentice jockey log on 15 winners, six clear of reigning champion Wong Chin Chuen, was not the sort to be happy to be at his first Group 1 race just to make up the numbers.

He had a glint in his eyes as he spoke about their chances.

“To get my first Group 1 ride was already a big thrill, to get two, it’s even more amazing!” he said.

“And I really think both will not just go around for a spin, especially Lord Of Cloud.”

Maximus will most likely start at long odds in the twilight meeting’s showpiece, but See thought the bold frontrunner could give some cheek.

“Maximus is as good as you’d expect him to be. He’s at his peak, and I’m happy with his work,” said See after the Lemon Drop Kid five-year-old’s workout on Tuesday.

“I actually don’t think he’ll run a bad race even if the only negative is the turf.

“At his last start in the Merlion Trophy on Polytrack, the 1200m was too quick for him. Over 1600m, he has the pace to go in front and that’s my plan for Saturday.

“I went through the card and there would not be anyone who would want to lead. I just hope he draws a good barrier on Thursday.

“Even if he doesn’t win, he’s a horse that can keep improving. The owners are even contemplating sending him to Dubai next season. We’d be looking at races over 1600m to 1800m, that would be a nice playground for him.”

Lord Of Cloud may not have as much racing experience as Maximus, but See thought the Singapore Guineas would be less daunting, even if the crop of three-year-olds this year comprises some handy sorts like Be Bee, Lord O’Reilly and King Louis to name a few.

See said people should put a line through Lord Of Cloud’s last bronco performance in the second Leg of the Singapore Three-Year-Old Challenge, the Group 2 Singapore Three-Year-Old Classic (1400m) as it was totally out of character.

The Niagara colt bucked over a couple of strides with apprentice jockey Noh Senari doing very well not to part company, but they lost too many lengths to still stay in the race, in the end running a distant last to Mister Yeoh, whom they won’t meet again as he is running in the $1 million Group 1 Lion City Cup (1200m) instead.

“Forget his last run. I think he was not used to Noh’s small saddle and started to buck around,” said See.

“He trialled with the blinkers last week and there was no problem at all. He’s also drawn very well in four.

“It’s an open Guineas and I think he is in with a shout.”