Lee Freedman is hoping to get the answers he needs regarding Mr Malek (NZ) (Swiss Ace) running out a strong mile this Saturday when he lines up in a Class 1 race over 1600m in Singapore.
Mr Malek will contest the Singapore Guineas (1600m) on September 26, but like the majority of his Singapore Three-Year-Old Challenge rivals he has never been tested beyond seven furlongs.
The son of Swiss Ace ran a brave third to Inferno in the second Leg of the series, the Singapore Classic (1400m) on August 30.
The Oscar Racing Stable’s rising star has won all his five races over 1200m, all the way up to Class 3 level.
“After Inferno was so dominant in the Classic, the plan is to make sure he can run over 1600m,” Freedman said.
“The horse is really well and he will have no weight on his back. It was the only opportunity to run him before the Guineas.
“There is a month between the Classic and the Guineas, and I’ve run many of my horses one fortnight apart back home, and it’s worked. It’s a worthwhile gamble.
“He’s a nice sort and he hasn’t missed a beat since his last run. It’s also important Harry (jockey A’Isisuhairi Kasim) stays on him so he gets a feel as well towards the Guineas.”
Meanwhile Freedman has further stakes tasks in mind for Mr Clint (NZ) (Power) who was a fast-finishing fifth in the Kranji Mile (1600m) on August 16.
“Mr Clint is staying on course for the three big races at the end of the year,” Freedman said referring to the Singapore Triple Crown races, the Raffles Cup (1600m), Queen Elizabeth II Cup (1800m) and Singapore Gold Cup (2000m).
“This will be another nice race for him, and JP (Juan Paul) van der Merwe will ride him.”
