MAKIN DO WITH WHATEVER COMES

Burridge still hopeful with trio's Gold Cup chances even after flag-bearer draws widest

- Michael Lee

Makin's odds may well drift after he drew the widest in the 16-horse field of the $1.38 million Group 1 Singapore Gold Cup (2,000m) on Oct 5.

Regarded as the third-best runner after Daniel Meagher's crack duo of Lim's Kosciuszko and Lim's Saltoro, the last-start winner is unproven at the distance, though.

But a win and a second in two starts over 1,800m, with the second coming in the Group 1 Singapore Derby, did give connections reasons to believe he was Singapore Gold Cup material.

Barrier No. 16 exacerbates matters, though, even if Steven Burridge was comforted by two things - the fact that the five-time winner's Gold Cup preparation has gone without a hitch and his personal luck with bad barriers dating back to 2010.

“It's disappointing, but at the same time, Risky Business won the Gold Cup from barrier No. 14,” said the veteran Australian trainer of his only Singapore Gold Cup winner, who strolled in with a high-standing Glen Boss in the irons.

He may even wish for another repeat feat from that renewal of a rain-sodden Singapore Gold Cup.

The hot favourite Better Than Ever was attempting to stretch his unbeaten run to 13, but the trip and heavy track brought his downfall.