Aussie Bred Wins Singapore Derby

Australian bred four year-old Jupiter Gold won the Singapore Derby (1800m) Sng G1 at Kranji on Sunday.

The Hideyuki Takaoka-trained gelding turned the tables on Elite Invincible who had beaten him in the Charity Bowl Sng G1 at Kranji last month. He clocked 1.46.34s to equal the class-record set by War Affair in 2014.

By former Vinery shuttler Congrats (USA), Jupiter Gold was bred and sold by Vinery, fetching $130,000 at the Magic Millions when bought by KS Research. He's out of a winning half-sister to the dam of Champion Australian sprinter Takeover Target.

Not only is Jupiter Gold a Vinery Graduate, but he was also broken in at Vinery. After the sale, the new owners sent him back to Vinery Stud to go through the first part of his education with the amazing Vinery breaker.

"We always believed he was a good horse and he proved it today," Takaoka declared. "We were frustrated with his loss of form last year but he's come back and capped it all off in a Singapore Derby!

"Olivier (Placais) gave the horse a great ride. He was very confident before the race, probably more than me, and he's delivered on it."

The classic result improved Jupiter Gold's race record to eight wins from 21 starts.

"He was just perfect today," Placais said. "I had to ride him positive but not aggressive, especially from barrier one. When Elite Invincible settled in front of me, I told myself it doesn't get any better than this.

"It's my first Group 1. It feels like I'm dreaming, it's amazing."