By Mike Lee, Singapore Turf Club
Fans of Singapore Horse of the Year I’m Incredible will have to wait a little longer before they can see their favourite horse back at the races.
They had been rubbing their hands in anticipation when Shane Baertschiger’s superstar was entered to run first-up in this Friday’s Class 1 race over 1200m on Polytrack, but he was unfortunately pulled out on vet grounds on Wednesday.
The Australian trainer reassured it was nothing serious, just precautionary, and the Lope De Vega five-year-old will be back soon.
“There’s nothing amiss with him. He just had a minor hiccup and it’s better he doesn’t run this Friday,” said Baertschiger.
“If all goes well, he will run in a Kranji Stakes A race over 1400m on April 17.”
The Doha Stable-owned bold frontrunner reeled off a fantastic five-in-a-row last year, with the last three coming at Group level, including the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (1800m), the second Leg of the Singapore Triple Crown series, in October.
The only blemish came at his last outing when he didn’t quite stay in the third Leg, the Group 1 Dester Singapore Gold Cup (2000m) won by Mr Clint on November 10.
While disappointed I’m Incredible will have to pass this week, Baertschiger will still have Star Of Jupiter to saddle in Friday’s Class 1 race.
Owned in the same interests as Baertschiger’s 2019 champion sprinter Aramco, the I Am Invincible four-year-old made a cracking winning debut last year before running last in the Group 2 EW Barker Trophy (1400m), pulling up bleeding.
After the mandatory three-month suspension, Star Of Jupiter, a two-time 1200m winner and Group contender in Australia when known as Spin, ran an encouraging second to Lim’s Dream in a Class 2 race over 1200m on March 6.
“Star Of Jupiter ran good first-up. He trialled well last week, and I’m hoping for a good run on Friday,” said Baertschiger who has booked apprentice jockey Shafrizal Saleh for the ride.
In that barrier trial last Thursday, Star Of Jupiter was eased out in last place by jockey Matthew Kellady. I’m Incredible with regular partner Vlad Duric up was also in the same heat, finishing just one spot ahead.
