Inferno fired up for Guineas

– The world over, the ‘Sport Of Kings’ needs champions to thrive and Singapore is no exception.

Pat Shaw-trained Rocket Man put Singapore racing in the spotlight for many years and while the likes of Debt Collector and Lim’s Cruiser have kept punters coming through the gates in recent times, a new champ is needed and INFERNO’s time has come.

Yes, the now four-year-old has won six races from seven starts, which includes three at Group 2 and 3 level, but he can now add a Group 1 to his impressive CV and the Guineas is his to lose.

The $400,000 feature over 1600m has attracted a relatively small field - thanks largely to INFERNO’S dominance in the recent won-and-run Classic - and you would imagine Vlad Duric rides him like the very good thing he is and he should give some handy types windburn when making his winning run early in the Short Course (B) straight.

Oh, we wish that racing was that easy and while INFERNO should eat up the mile and win, he will have to be on his game with the likes of STRONG N POWERFUL likely to go forward, kick and give him something to catch.

Duric won’t let STRONG N POWERFUL get a winning break, but the champion jockey will also have to keep an eye over his shoulder with BIG HEARTED suited over 1600m with his best work expected late.

As you would expect on a Group 1 day, there are plenty of good races on the bumper 14-race card and MINISTER looks a huge winning hope in Class 2 Company over 1600m (Race 9), after giving TOP KNIGHT plenty to think about in the Derby.

BEST BETS

RACE 9: MINISTER

RACE 12: INFERNO VALUE BET

RACE 6: I’M A CONQUEROR Jackpot:

Race 11: 2, 6, 9, 10

Race 12: 1

Race 13: 1, 2, 3, 10 r

Race 14: 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8