Latest Horse Racing News Since City Gold Forward

Seeing the $7 star stare up at the judges in desperate need of an opening isn’t exactly a fun watch for supporters.

Citigold forwards were one of the favorites in such a pinch in Saturday’s $70,000 Gingerbread Man 2011 Stakes III (1,200m) at 600m.

He dropped to the back of the line when he was dispatched, but picked up his pace along the fence, but still had to overtake eight rivals and at 600 meters there was no exit in sight.

When Manoel Nunez switched on his heel at 400 metres, a breakthrough suddenly materialized.

Especially if fortunes are on their side, supporters of the low-stock favourites might be able to breathe a little more.

The biggest danger was Mimosa (Daniel Moore) in front of the City Gold forward, who would have probably missed the race as he held off the Entertainer (Craig Grylls) at that crucial moment.

A large individual like Mimosa needs a few more steps to regain the momentum it has lost.

The Citigold forward also got a bit off the track in the traffic, but thanks to his much smaller frame he easily overtook Mimosa.

From then on, Nunez focused on the rest of the job at hand, holding off another valiantly speeding Mimosa, but fell behind in a blanket finish.

Warpride (Matthew Keladi) came in third and was less than two lengths ahead of Daruk Bounty (Zairur Nor Azman) in seventh.

The winning time was 1’09.46 on the 1200m short course.

Citigold forwards’ legions of reassuring backers could line up for victory, but trainer David Koch said there was nothing to worry about.

“The pace was so fast. He pulled wide so he couldn’t get inside and Nunez had to bring him back,” said the Singaporean’s handler.

“I wasn’t too worried about where he was. I knew he would find a way out and use his good undercarriage.

“I told Nunes to be patient until the straight and he finished strong.

“This horse has been in good shape since his last win.”

The Sebring 5-year-old (1,000m-1,200m), known as County Litchfield in Australia, has won three times and has raced for Smart Company in Victoria and South Australia, where Mick Price and Michael First trained by Kent Jr.

He finished second to Adelaide’s speed sprinter Bo Rossa in the Group Two Tobin Bronze (1,200m) at Morphettville in May 2021.

Purchased by Kok for the Hong Kong-owned Citigold stable, the Citigold forward did not take long to recreate his Australian form in Kranji.

After earning extra prizes in two Polytrack events, he was on the scoresheet in a class 3 race over 1,200 metres, similar to Saturday’s, with his third crunch start.

He also came from behind, but circled outside from a long distance.

Kok clearly had a lot of time for the Citigold stable’s inaugural Kranji winner (who then also won Citigoldstar), but frustratingly hasn’t come up with a clear plan yet.

“He is a sprinter.

“He will now race in Class 2, but there are no Class 2 races.

“I would love to run him on turf, but if Polytrack Class 2 is coming up, I might run him then.

“But we need to discuss it with the owner.”

Koch may have multiple powwows with new patrons in the next few days, and even months.

After importing a first batch of five test horses from Australia, including Citigold Forwards and Citigold Stars, the powerhouse has added six more new horses, including two 2-year-olds who have yet to race. expanded the base.

Shortly after a fulfilling Saturday when he was handed a training double by Star Empire ($26), Koch boarded a plane to Australia to participate in the Magic Millions Gold Coast National Yearling Sale, now on Tuesday and Wednesday. I’m joining.

“We arrived on the Gold Coast yesterday morning, with one of the owners of Citigold,” Kok said.

“We’ve just inspected the barn and haven’t found anything yet.

“I don’t choose pedigrees because they are usually too expensive.

“If it looks good and is within my budget, I will buy it.”