Top Field Works A Treat At Kl Trials

Out of action for over a year, former Kranji galloper could surprise when racing fresh

- Brian Miller

He has got a date with the starter in Race 5 on March 16.

It is the Class 4 (B) sprint over the 1,100m and if Top Field can reproduce the form he showed at the trials on the morning of March 11, he must be marked down as a force to be reckoned with.

Prepared by trainer Winson Cheng Han Yong, Top Field was the most impressive of the six winners at the trials which were run on a track rated good.

Ridden by Andre da Silva and jumping from an inside gate, Top Field was snagged back to sit fourth when the runners cleared that first left-hander.

Up in front, Super Salute, Hateem and Master Baby - a stablemate of Top Field - traded blows for the early lead with Top Field content to stay out of the fray.

Knowing he had a good horse beneath him, da Silva kept his mount on a short rein and only released him at the furlong mark.

Always pulling hard, Top Field was ready to go and with a furlong to travel, the Real Impact six-year-old stole the lead and held off Super Salute to win by ¾ length.

Top Field clocked a smart time of 1min 0.32sec for the sharp 1,000m.