Noah From Goa sends a message to Raffles rivals

– Top South African miler Noah From Goa sent an ominous warning he would be a tough nut to crack in next week’s $1-million Group 1 Raffles Cup (1600m) with a rousing barrier trial win on Tuesday.

The six-year-old son of Tiger Ridge responded brilliantly to regular partner Nooresh Juglall’s urgings inside the last 200m with a sprint to beat stablemate Rafaello by 0.50 lengths. Clarton Super, a rival in the Raffles Cup, which kicks off the Singapore Triple Crown series, ran third.

“I’m very happy with the trial,” said South African expat trainer Ricardo le Grange.

“He hit the line very well and looks ready for the Raffles Cup next Sunday (September 23).”

Noah From Goa won the Grade 1 Cape Guineas in 2015, when prepared by Mike de Kock, and also did well in Dubai, but disappointed on his Singapore debut in July over 1200m.

The Mary Slack-owned chestnut made quick amends with a resounding win five weeks later – over 1800m, a trip he was attempting for the first time.

With those distance parameters in mind, the first two legs of the Singapore Triple Crown should not present problems, but the last one is uncharted waters.

“My plan is to run him in the Raffles, then the QE II Cup over 1800m on October 21,” said Le Grange. “For the third leg, the Gold Cup over 2000m in November, we’ll have to see how he goes. We’ll take it race by race, but the plan is to get to the Gold Cup.”

Juglall was in upbeat mood as he unsaddled on Tuesday: “That was a very good trial. He sure is going in the right direction.” –

Singapore