Singapore Airlines International Cup News
Lizard's Desire Leaves Nothing To Be Desired
South-African-trained Lizard's Desire proved that revenge is sweet when he overpowered co-favourite and last year's winner Gloria De Campeao in the Singapore Cup and walked away with a cool S$3 million.
Lizard's Desire and Gloria De Campeao had last faced each other in the Dubai World Cup in March, when a tight photo-finish was decided in favour of Gloria De Campeao - much to the shock of Lizard's Desire's connections. On Sunday 16th May Lizard's Desire took his revenge when he was the first to cross the line at the Singapore Airlines International Cup. The angel of revenge may have only triumphed by a narrow ½ length, but it was sufficient to show Gloria De Campeao and the rest of the racing world that Lizard's Desire is indeed a contender to be reckoned with.
Jockey Kevin Shea, who also rode Lizard's Desire in the Dubai World Cup, never once lost his calm as he manoeuvred his mount across the challenging track. Torrential rains had quickened the ground at Kranji Racecourse, making the Singapore Cup a rather difficult operation.
Gloria De Campeao and jockey Bruno Reis, who followed closely behind Shea and Lizard's Desire were tailed by Al Raihe-trained Al Shemali, ridden by Royston Ffrench. Altogether the 2010 Singapore Cup saw very little surprises. The horses heading the field in terms of odds were the ones crossing the line ahead of the rest, the lower ranked horses came running in after.
With most contenders truly performing to the best of their ability, most connections (including Lizard's Desire trainer Mike De Kock who was celebrating the win from afar in South Africa) were in good spirits after the race.
However, one entrant in the richest race on Singapore's racing calendar could not find a single redeeming feature in Sunday's race. Presvis, who placed second in last the Singapore Airlines International Cup, failed to repeat his impressive performance and saw his hopes of besting his 2009 performance dashed. Struggling with the soaked ground and the iron will and speed of his fellow contenders, Presvis carried jockey Ryan Moore to a disappointing fifth place. Trainer Luca Cumani, who also had a number of his charges competing in the United Kingdom this weekend, was gracious in defeat but did feel disappointed at his promising student's performance.
Singapore Cup This Weekend - Sunday May 16th
The highlight of Singapore's racing calendar is drawing closer and the mounting excitement in the equine sports community is palpable. Sunday 16th May, which will be an excellent day of racing by any measure, will culminate in the running of the 10th Singapore Airlines International Cup.
A gang of twelve thoroughbred race horses over aged three and older are getting ready to show what they are made of at Kranji Turf Club.
Two of the entrants, Gloria De Campeao and Presvis, part of the three-tied favourites, have already cut their teeth in last year's Singapore Cup. Gloria De Campeao, trained by Pascal Bary won the 2009 Singapore Cup followed closely by Presvis from the stables of champion trainer Luca Cumani. These two remarkable contenders are joined by a new threat, Lizard's Desire - trained by Mike De Kock and set to be piloted by Kevin Shea.
The Racecard for the 2010 Singapore Cup is now online - odds current as of the 14th May. Please check with Canbet88 closer to jump time for any changes!
Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Odds |
Gloria De Campeao | Bruno Reis | Pascal Bary | 3-1 |
Lizard's Desire | Kevin Shea | Mike De Kock | 3-1 |
Presvis | Ryan Moore | Luca Cumani | 3-1 |
Al Shemali | Royston Ffrench | Ali Rashid Al Raihe | 9-2 |
Shadow Gate | Katsuharu Tanaka | Yukihiro Kato | 16-1 |
Goldschatz | Vlad Duric | Stephen Gray | 20-1 |
Lahaleeb | John Egan | Fawzi Nass | 20-1 |
Jolies Shinju | Ronnie Stewart | Hideyuki Takaoka | 33-1 |
Yamanin Kingly | Yuichi Shibayama | Hiroshi Kawachi | 40-1 |
Waikato | Joao Moreira | Laurie Laxon | 40-1 |
El Dorado | Saimee Jumaat | Hideyuki Takaoka | 50-1 |
Drovetti | John Powell | Steven Burridge | 66-1 |
