A change of tactics implemented by visiting jockey Chad Schofield was instrumental in Golden Monkey (Star Turn) winning the Singapore Stewards Cup (LR, 1600m) at Kranji on Sunday.
Trainer Tim Fitzsimmons also decided to remove the blinkers from Golden Monkey for his first try at a mile in the second leg of the Singapore 4YO Challenge. The plan worked perfectly when the son of Vinery sire Star Turn scored by two lengths from I Am Invincible pair Super Salute and Invincible Tycoon.
Golden Monkey had been runner-up to Super Salute at his previous two starts in the E W Barker Trophy (1400m) and Silver Bowl (1400m) leaving connections to adopt a more relaxed approach in running. “It’s my first meeting in Singapore and it was nice to get the opportunity to ride a quality horse like Golden Monkey,” Schofield said. “He got back but we knew he had the best turn of foot. The race heated up around the turn and I was able to pop into the three-wide line and flow nicely.”
They followed Montana Flash (Star Turn) and had Super Salute in sight in the straight. With momentum in his favour, Golden Monkey had them all covered and it was an easy watch in the final furlong.
Golden Monkey had given Fitzsimmons his first feature winner as a trainer in the 2022 Singapore 3YO Sprint (LR, 1200m). “He put them away and it’s very exciting,” Fitzsimmons said. “He’s an amazing horse. He never runs a bad race and it’s great for the owners Jig Racing and Elvin Stable.
“Thanks to Chad for coming up and following my instructions to the letter and I also have to thank Daniel (Moor) who was committed to Dream Alliance today.”
Golden Monkey will head towards the Singapore Derby (LR, 1800m) on July 23 and Fitzsimmons covets the classic having been assistant trainer to Cliff Brown when Clint (Casual Lies) won it 2011 under Johnny Powell.
Schofield believes he will run the extra distance even though the third leg of the 4YO series is a completely different type of race. “One thing that will help is his ability to relax. He spits the bit out and goes to sleep. And against his own age group, he’s probably better than them, so I think that will take him a long way.”
Golden Monkey (4g Star Turn – Dixie’s Comet by Northern Meteor) has won five of his 12 starts for earnings over AUD$445,000 after making $54,000 from Byerley Stud (as agent) at the 2020 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.
Star Turn has a 100% record in Singapore with 5 winners of 14 races. He stands at Vinery Stud for a $27,500 inc. GST service fee, payable on a live foal. For bookings or further information, contact Adam White (0414 800 918) or Harry Roach (0401 970 006).
