Saddle Up concentrates on Audemars Piguet QEII Cup

20 March 2002

Saddle Up

Saddle Up, Singapore's highest-rated performer, is now concentrating on the HK$14 million Audemars Piguet QE II Cup (Gr.1-2000m) at Sha Tin on April 21.

The Dubai Sheema Classic was supposed to be Saddle Up's final preparation before Hong Kong but the Indian-bred gelding is said to be a little sore after preparatory work for Dubai.

Should he be invited for the race, the AP QEII Cup will be Saddle Up's second foray into Hong Kong. Last December, he ran a notable sixth, beaten only three lengths by Japan's Agnes Digital in the Hong Kong Cup (Gr.1-2000m). His form tapered off a bit after his return to Singapore, finishing unplaced in two races, including the international S$1 million Singapore Classic.

However, both races were over 1,800m and Saddle Up needs further to show his best. He finished second to Godolphin's triple Group 1 winner Kutub in the S$1.25 million New Zealand Bloodstock Singapore Gold Cup over 2,200m at Kranji last November. Saddle Up was a multiple Group winner in India. The seven-year-old son of Bold Russian won ten times from 1,600m to 2,800m in his homeland.