Trainer Tim Fitzsimmons has been a prominent contender in this year’s Singapore Four-Year-Old Challenge, but is yet to add a Group One trophy to his list of achievements. However, that may change on Sunday (23 July) as he sets his sights on the ultimate glory in the 2023 Singapore Derby (1800m).

Fitzsimmons embarked on his journey in the industry at the age of 18, working for renowned yards such as Bart Cummings, Lloyd Williams, Greg Eurell and Jim Conlan.

Upon receiving an invitation from fellow Australian Cliff Brown, he relocated to Kranji in 2007. Ultimately, Fitzsimmons became Brown’s assistant trainer in March 2014.

In April 2019, Fitzsimmons became a trainer in his own right before ascending to the top in 2022 to claim the champion trainer title.

He achieved his inaugural Group race triumph when Golden Monkey claimed the SIN G3 Singapore Three-Year-Old Sprint (1200m) in June 2022. Just eight days later, he replicated his big-race success with Relentless in the second leg of the Four-Year-Old Challenge  – the SIN G2 Stewards’ Cup (1600m), while Golden Monkey went on to claim another feature  with victory in the SIN G2 Singapore Three-Year-Old Classic (1400m).

Golden Monkey has continued his sensational form into 2023 and looks Fitzsimmons’ best chance at winning a Group One after his last start demolition job in the SIN G2 Stewards’ Cup (1600m).

A change of tactics, with a quieter ride on that occasion, proved fruitful for the five-time winner from 12 starts. Letting down with his trademark turn-of-foot, Golden Monkey drew clear by a convincing two lengths.

Hong Kong-based Australian champion jockey Hugh Bowman has been booked to ride Golden Monkey.

Fitzsimmons’ chances don’t end with Golden Monkey. He also saddles up Dream Alliance, who caught the eye with a late charge to finish fourth in the Stewards’ Cup, while all signs point towards the gelding enjoying the Derby trip.

The standout four-year-old of 2023, Super Salute, experienced defeat for only the second time in his nine-start career in Singapore, finishing runner-up to Golden Monkey in the Stewards’ Cup.

Since the former Australian galloper checked in a luckless fourth-place on his local debut in September last year, he then set sail on an impressive seven-race winning streak, which culminated with victory in the first leg of the Four-Year-Old Challenge, the SIN G3 Silver Bowl (1400m).

Until two weeks ago, the Derby field lacked X-factor qualities. However, that all changed when trainer Michael Clements unveiled New Zealand import Cavalry, who was quick to make a name for himself.

The three-time winner (over 1830m to 2200m overseas) arrived in Singapore in April, stepped out for two barrier trials two months later and found himself facing the Kranji starter on 8 July in a Class 3 Handicap over 1400m.

Cavalry showed he had acclimated quickly to his new surroundings, despite the rushed preparation, putting paid to the runner-up Wealth Elite by nearly two lengths. With untapped potential, he is certainly a horse who should be ultra-competitive in Sunday’s feature event.