By Michael Lee – Singapore Turf Club
A tendon injury has forced Singapore Derby winner Jupiter Gold out of the running for the $1.5 million Invitational Group 1 Kranji Mile (1600m) on May 25.
Hideyuki Takaoka’s stable star was fine after a maintenance gallop on Saturday but his syce saw some swelling to his off fore before trackwork on Monday morning.
The saddle was immediately taken off the son of Congrats who was then sent to the vets. When a scan was performed on the swollen part, the Japanese handler’s worst fears were confirmed.
“Jupiter Gold did his tendon. He will go for another scan in six weeks,” said Takaoka.
“It’s a big disappointment for us and the owner (Kaz Hosaka) as he was getting ready for the Kranji Mile and we had high hopes for him. He will need at least three months of rest.
“I don’t think we’ll see him back before September. That is if he recovers 100%.”
Should the nine-time winner heal as expected, the races he could be aimed at would be the Singapore Triple Crown series which kicks off with the Group 1 Raffles Cup (1600m) on September 22.
After two encouraging runs, a fifth and third respectively in the Group 3 The New Year Cup (1200m) and Group 3 Fortune Bowl (1400m) over trips not made to suit, the five-year-old gelding ran ordinary at his last start when a one-paced eighth to Debt Collector in a Class 1 race over 1400m on March 10.
Takaoka is still left with Japanese mare Makanani among the Kranji Mile local entries which have now been reduced to 16. Five Hong Kong horses have been nominated: Last year’s winner Southern Legend, Singapore Sling, Pingwu Spark, Rise High and Citron Spirit.
