After two tough runs at elite level, Destroyer Eclipse is dropped back into easier company this Friday with trainer James Peters hopeful of a better showing in the S$70,000 Class 3 race over 1400m in Singapore.
The British conditioner took a punt on the Alamosa five-year-old following a game win in a Class 3 race over 1600m on May 19, stepping him up in class to the last two Legs of the Singapore Four-Year-Old Challenge.
The Indonesian-owned gelding ran ninth, only just a little over three lengths off the winner What’s New in the Stewards’ Cup (1600m) at the first stab, but fell by the wayside in the last Leg, the Singapore Derby (1800m) when a distant 14th to Sun Marshal.
Peters has since tipped the four-time winner (1200m to 1600m) out only to bring him back to the races at Friday’s standalone meeting.
“Destroyer Eclipse has had a break after the Derby. He didn’t handle the wet ground that day,” said Peters.
“He’s in pretty good form. He trialled really well the other day (September 19).
“Hopefully he goes the right way and we can step him up to 1600m. Let’s see how he goes fresh-up first and how he gets on this prep.
