| Saddle Up,
Singapore's highest-rated performer, is now concentrating on the HK$14 million Audemars
Piguet QE II Cup (Gr.1-2000m) at Sha Tin on April 21. The
Dubai Sheema Classic was supposed to be Saddle Up's final preparation before Hong Kong but
the Indian-bred gelding is said to be a little sore after preparatory work for Dubai.
Should he be invited for the race, the AP QEII Cup will be
Saddle Up's second foray into Hong Kong. Last December, he ran a notable sixth, beaten
only three lengths by Japan's Agnes Digital in the Hong Kong Cup (Gr.1-2000m). His form
tapered off a bit after his return to Singapore, finishing unplaced in two races,
including the international S$1 million Singapore Classic.
However, both races were over 1,800m and Saddle Up needs
further to show his best. He finished second to Godolphin's triple Group 1 winner Kutub in
the S$1.25 million New Zealand Bloodstock Singapore Gold Cup over 2,200m at Kranji last
November. Saddle Up was a multiple Group winner in India. The seven-year-old son of Bold
Russian won ten times from 1,600m to 2,800m in his homeland. |
