Tannhauser begins his 2018 campaign this Sunday

Unbeaten at his last four starts, the Tavistock four-year-old will be bidding to keep the good run going, but will also be springboarding off that race – win, lose or draw - towards bigger riches this year.

Trainer Michael Clements is aiming the Jubilant Racing No 4 Stable-owned gelding towards two main campaigns – the Singapore Sprint Series followed by the Singapore Four-Year-Old Challenge, which would, however, be restricted to only the first Leg, the Group 2 Stewards’ Cup (1400m).

“He will be going for the three races of the Singapore Sprint Series, starting with the JBBA Rocket Man Sprint (1200m on April 1),” said the Zimbabwean-born trainer.

For now, Clements is focused on the task at hand. He is aware the opposition spearheaded by Deimos is a little meatier on Sunday, but he is confident enough of a good showing.

“He’s been training well since his last run (won a Class 3 race over 1000m). He actually already had a break before that run, he has come on well and has strengthened up. His barrier trial last week (January 11) was very good (won). " 

If there was to be a slight query, it would be the speed scamper.

“The only question mark is the distance. It’s a bit sharp for him,” he added.

“He’s been slow out of the gates a few times and 1000m doesn’t suit him. He has drawn the middle (six) and Vlad Duric knows how to ride him.

“In saying this, we believe he is in top form and he has the quality to be competitive in such a field.”

No chat about Tannhauser cannot be complete if no mention is made of the other Clements-Jubilant rising star Chopin’s Fantaisie, who on the other hand, could be aimed at the second and third Legs of the Singapore Four-Year-Old Challenge, the Group 1 Patron’s Bowl (1600m) and the Group 1 Emirates Singapore Derby (2000m).

The five-time-winning son of Pins last ran in the Group 1 Raffles Cup (1800m) in October when a meritorious fifth to Gilt Complex.

“He’s back in work and we’re not in a rush with him,” said Clements.

“He will probably be running by the end of March or beginning of April. He should be trialling in a few weeks’ time.

“I will give him two prep runs and then set him towards the Kranji Mile.”

For the first time, the Kranji Mile is not run as the first Leg of the Singapore Triple Crown series in October, having instead been brought forward to be staged on May 20. It is still a Group 1 event run over the mile but has seen his prize money hiked from $500,000 to $1 million.

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