International bookmakers are backing Takeover Target to defend his KrisFlyer Sprint title in Singapore on Sunday.The first markets released in the United Kingdom rate Joe Janiak's nine-year-old gelding an odds-on chance to add to his eight Group Ones victories on the way to a fourth visit to the prestigious Royal Ascot meeting.Blue Square opened Takeover Target at 8-11, or about $1.72, with UK-based Prime Defender a $6 second choice ahead of Hong Kong sprinter Sacred Kingdom, $7, and unbeaten l
International bookmakers are backing Takeover Target to defend his KrisFlyer Sprint title in Singapore on Sunday.
The first markets released in the United Kingdom rate Joe Janiak's nine-year-old gelding an odds-on chance to add to his eight Group Ones victories on the way to a fourth visit to the prestigious Royal Ascot meeting.
Blue Square opened Takeover Target at 8-11, or about $1.72, with UK-based Prime Defender a $6 second choice ahead of Hong Kong sprinter Sacred Kingdom, $7, and unbeaten local hero Rocket Man, $8.
Impressive Hong Kong QE11 Cup winner Presvis is the early $2.75 favourite for the weekend's other Group One at Kranji, the Singapore International Airlines Cup, which will feature Australians Pompeii Ruler and Sarrera.
Pompeii Ruler beat Sarrera into second in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick on April 25.
Takeover Target is likely to be pitted against Barry Hills-trained Prime Defender again in the UK but there are doubts over one of their key rivals.
Unbeaten Hungarian four-year-old Overdose has been withdrawn from his scheduled debut in England with a foot infection.
It is hoped he will recover in time to run at Royal Ascot.