Star gallopers arrive ahead of Singapore showcase
15 May, 2008
Takeover Target, Magnus and Absolute Champion, three of the world’s top rated sprinters, finally completed their respective journeys to Singapore yesterday. All will be given a chance to settle down over the next few days and prepare for their showdown in the Krisflyer Sprint this weekend.
Absolute Champion, formerly the world's top-ranked sprinter, arrived safely at the quarantine stable of Kranji Racecourse at 4.50am on Wednesday morning. However, the chief veterinarian of the Singapore Turf Club said the galloper, sustained a few superficial cuts on his left hock during the journey, but was reported to be sound and in good health when he stepped off the plane.
"He kicked the pallet during the flight and hurt his near-hind leg but he was lucky to have the Hong Kong Jockey Club vet on board to treat him. When the plane touched down, he was fine," Dr Koos van den Berg said.
Meanwhile, the Australian gallopers Takeover Target and Magnus arrived late in the afternoon at Changi Airport and have taken to their new temporary home well, according to Singapore Turf Club veterinarian Dr Kieran Fann.
"They travelled pretty well and both looked in good condition," said Dr Fann. "Nothing unusual to report and it’s all good."
Takeover Target is one of the most popular sprinters in Australia, having risen from obscurity as a $1250 castoff to capture feature races both at home (Group 1 Lightning Stakes, Salinger Stakes) and around the world (Group 1 Sprinters Stakes in Japan, Group 2 King’s Stand at Ascot, UK) for taxi driver-turned-trainer Joe Janiak, who flew in with his precious charge.
The eight-year-old son of Celtic Swing has a huge following in Australia and is likely to be one of the favourites in the $1 million 1200m race.
Though not as famous, the Peter Moody-trained Magnus is no slouch, having won four (including the Group 1 AJC The Galaxy over 1100 metres) of his 22 starts and has notched just over A$1.14 million in prize money. The Flying Spur five-year-old ran third to Miss Andretti in last year’s King Stand Stakes, with second place going to Takeover Target.
Both will use the KrisFlyer as a stepping stone to another campaign at Royal Ascot in England next month.
Brought to you by AAP.
©2007 AAP