Juglall happy with Noah’s Gold Cup draw

– Noah From Goa will jump from centre field in Sunday’s Dester Singapore Gold Cup at the Kranji Racecourse after drawing barrier No 8 in the field of 16.

“Noah From Goa got a nice barrier. His last gallop was good, he’s won over 1800m and the 2000m should be even better for him,” said Nooresh Juglall, who will be in the saddle on Sunday.

With the race being reduced to 2000m from 2200m, it means a shorter run-up to the first bend has placed a bit more emphasis on the draw this year.

Noah From Goa is one of four Ricardo le Grange-trained entries in Sunday’s R13.5-million race, the others being Majestic Moments, King Louis and first reserve Mighty Kenny.

South African jockey Barend Vorster drew gate No 7 for Majestic Moments.

“Majestic Moments is such an honest genuine sort. He seems to be back into it,” said the rider. “I’m very happy with his condition and this draw is perfect for him.”

“A lot will depend on the pace and the state of the track. I think Noah From Goa will stay, with a bit of luck in the running he’ll be there, and ditto for Majestic Moments,” said Le Grange.

King Louis’s owner, Steve Levar, was in two minds with his draw.

“It’s a 2000m race and the barriers are not all that critical. Ideally, he should have drawn wider so he can drop back on the fence.”

Australian trainer Lee Freedman pulled out the ace for Circuit Land and nine for Singapore Guineas winner Mr Clint.

“I’m very happy with No 1 for Circuit Land. He’s the topweight and he’s never gone over 2000m, he will need a soft run and barrier No 1 will help him,” Freedman said.

Trainer Stephen Gray also fields a foursome in Twickenham (drawn 4 and ridden by Grant van Niekerk), Sky Rocket (drawn 5), Lim’s Magic (drawn 16 and ridden by Karis Teetan) and Bahana (drawn 17).

“I think four is good for Twickenham as he’s a horse who likes to run on the speed,” said Gray. “Lim’s Magic will come back from that wide barrier. We will just have to ride him quiet.”

Shane Baertschiger, who trains and owns Preditor, said if his horse got the right run “he will be in with a chance.” –

Singapore