NEXT UP

Designed to shorten the time interval between the 3YO and 4YO series, moving forward, the change from the 3YO series' traditional April-May timeslot to June-July – effective from this year - has been generally well received.

Even if at its first year of introduction, it may be a long wait in between races for the pioneer batch of three-year-olds (last 3YO feature was the Saas Fee Stakes in November), with the full benefit only reaped when they turn four.

Kok has only one gun three-year-old under his barn roof, promising two-time winner Count Me If not for the rescheduling, it would have been cutting it fine to get the New Zealand-bred son of Showcasing at his peak when the first Leg over 6 f, the Singapore Three-Year-Old Sprint, rolls around.

"Count Me In was shin sore at the end of his prep last year (last start was a win in a Class 4 Polytrack race over 5 1⁄2 f in August), which is common with young horses, and was spelled," said Kok.

"It's a good thing the 3YO series begins in June now. It gives him more time to be ready.

"In saying this, he's come back stronger and more mature. He's had two trials, including today's."

While the last place 17 lengths off the winner Rocket Star - one of the leading 3YO protagonists behind likely favourite Inferno, and who has already had his first 2020 outing, a demolition job of a Class 4 field on January 26 – might suggest that Count Me In has some catching up to he is actually on track for his racing comeback.

"As is my usual style, I just gave him two quiet trials," said Kok.

"He seems fit enough to have his first run back, which will be in a Class 4 race over 6 f on turf next Saturday (February 29)."

Count Me In  actually jumped on terms with Rocket Star (Vlad Duric), only to be restrained by regular partner Benny Woodworth behind the pace set by Water Rocket (Ryan Munger) at the head of affairs. When the pace picked up in the straight, all six gallopers quickened up bar Count Me who was just eased out to a canter in last place.

"His first race back will tell me where he is Hopefully, we will then run him in the first Leg in June," said Kok.

"We won't rush him, we'll take him one step at a time through the series. He's by Showcasing and I think he should be able to make it all the way to 1 m (third Leg distance of the Singapore Guineas on July 26)."

While Count Me who is raced by a Mauritian businessman and first-time Singapore owner, Mr Stephen Tin, is seen by many as Kok's banner horse for 2020, the Singapore Derby-winning trainer (Well Done in 2016) is not putting all his eggs in one basket.

Currently the trainer of two winners, Leading Cellist and One World, Kok has injected new blood into his yard, hoping to put behind his forgettable 2019 season when he finished around the bottom of the ladder on only nine winners.

"It's been an okay start with two winners, but I'm relying a lot on my unraced horses this year," said Kok.

"I've got as many as 18 of them, which includes seven two-year-olds and 11 three-year-olds, making up around half of my stable.

"Just today, one of them, Leggenda, won a trial. It's a US-bred three-year-old bought by my agent Melvyn Ezekiel – who also bought Speedy Dragon for me in the past.

"Fingers crossed, my newcomers can give us something to look forward to this season."