Speedy Cat (NZ) Wins Singapore’s 4YO Challenge Opener

Kiwi sprinter Speedy Cat (NZ) showed that he has the makings of a Group 1 horse when upstaging a strong field including fellow kiwi Super Easy (NZ) in last night’s S$300,000 Sgp-2 Stewards’ Cup (1400m) at Kranji.

Speedy Cat (Scaredee Cat x Lane Cove) managed to turn the tables last night on Singapore’s star three-year-old last season in Super Easy (Darci Brahma) who beat him two starts ago in the Sgp-1 Lion City Cup.

Speedy Cat (NZ) will now head to the Sgp-1 Patron’s Bowl on June 30. Photo courtesy of the STC

Ridden in last night’s race by Manoel Nunes, Speedy Cat raced towards the back of the field and came with a big run down the outside of the field to beat the second-placed El Milagro by a head, with Super Easy finishing a close third.

Speedy Cat finished a disappointing sixth in the Group 1 KrisFlyer Sprint at his last start after an interrupted run but his trainer Alvin Tan was nonetheless pleased with the horse’s effort in the race.

“His run in the KrisFlyer was very good,” commented Tan. “He got checked and the jockey almost fell off, but he got going again.

“Tonight’s distance was much more suitable for him. I was happy with where he was in the run and he finished off strongly.

“This is the most prizemoney that we have won with him and we are now getting closer to a Group 1 win.”

Last night’s race was the first leg of the Singapore Four-Year-Old Challenge and Tan will now set Speedy Cat for Race 2 of the Challenge, the Sgp-1 Patron’s Bowl (1600m), on June 30.

“We will now head to the second leg with him,” said Tan. “That race is three weeks away which is perfect.

“I am learning all the time with this horse. We will keep him fresh for that race and I am confident that he will have no problems with the mile.”

Speedy Cat was bred by the Grande Vue Lodge Syndicate with Waikato Stud and was purchased by Stephen Autridge from Grande Vue Lodge at New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2010 Karaka Select Sale for just $5,000.

The four-year-old son of Scaredee Cat has now won eight of his 18 starts for almost S$800,000 in stakes for his owner the Alwin Stable.