Murtagh mount does well in training
Doctor Dino, the French-trained mount of Irishman Johnny Murtagh, pleased his trainer Richard Gibson in trackwork at Kranji ahead of Sunday’s Singapore Airlines International Cup.
He exercised on the fibres and track with regular rider Eric Gandon in the saddle.
After walking and trotting, the Prix Ganay third was given a light breeze-up, clocking 36.4secs for 600 metres and 12.06secs for the last 200m.
“He’s got a bit of brightness about him this morning, he’s good and I’m happy,” Gibson told the race’s official website, siacup.com.
Murtagh is able to ride the Prix Ganay third in the Group One as he changed the dates of a three-day suspension.
He was originally ruled out on May 17, 18 and 20 after being found guilty of careless riding at Newmarket on 1000 Guineas day.
However, he was allowed to change his ban to May 19 and, as a result, he misses Newbury’s Lockinge meeting.
The sole British representative, Clive Brittain’s Kandidate had his usual track rider in the saddle Sonja Beranger and he hacked comfortably around the sand before being taken onto the turf for his final gallop.
He looked strong in his work and reeled off 37.4secs for 600m and stopped the watch at 11.68secs for his final 200m.
“He’s settled in well,” said Brittain of Kandidate, who will be ridden by Eddie Ahern.
“It’s a big help when they are an experienced five-year-old, they get used to the travelling and different surroundings.
“He’s worked well this morning, I couldn’t be happier with that.”
Favourite at 7-4 with Blue Square is last year’s winner, the Japanese-trained Cosmo Bulk.
Singapore Airlines International Cup
Blue Square bet: 7-4 Cosmo Bulk, 9-4 Oracle West, 7-2 Doctor Dino, 7-1 Shadow Gate, 8-1 Kandidate, 20-1 King And King, 25-1 Ruwi, 40-1 bar.
