No one would argue that jockey Krisna Thangamani did anything wrong when he won on Super Salute in the same company over 1200m on February 25 – quite the contrary - but the hardworking hoop was always keeping the saddle warm for Nunes.
The light weight (50.5kgs) kept Nunes off the Australian-bred four-year-old on that occasion but with an extra five rating points picked up courtesy of that gutsy last-start win, the Brazilian ace can continue his association with Super Salute that stands at three rides for three wins.
No one knows the son of I Am Invincible better than the now four-time Singapore champion jockey - and Super Salute is being tested over 1400m for the first time in Singapore - trainer Jason Lim thinks the experienced hoop could make all the difference.
"It's very important for us to have Nunes back on," said Lim on Tuesday.
"He knows the horse so well. He does all the work on him (Super Salute ) – he worked him just now – and this horse has quirks, so Nunes' experience gives me more confidence.
"Krisna did a great job last start. I panicked when he (Super Salute) was slow out but Krisna didn't (panic). I thought it was a smart ride but with 53kgs this week, it was always going to be Nunes onboard.
"The step-up to 1400m is also a test, so to have Nunes' feedback will be critical going forward towards the (Group 3) Silver Bowl in June (11)."
Formally known as Construct when trained by Peter Snowden in Australia for one win (1200m) from 15 starts, Super Salute was unplaced at four attempts over seven furlongs, albeit in nice company.
"I think he (Super Salute) is more relaxed now," continued the Singaporean conditioner.
"Nunes rode him cold in his trial last week (finished first in trial no. 3 on March 23 in the time of 59.16secs) and he showed a nice turn of foot to win in a nice time.
"And while all his (five) wins have been over 1200m, he (Super Salute) did place over 1300m at Group 3 level (Up and Coming Stakes on August 14, 2021) when he came from the rear as a two-year-old.
"This race on Saturday will give us a good guide on how he handles the trip against some pretty good company heading towards the Silver Bowl."
The Silver Bowl is the first Leg of the Singapore Four-Year-Old Challenge series and the next two Legs that follows are the Group 2 Stewards' Cup (1600m), which will take place on July 2 and the Group 1 Singapore Derby (1800m) that will be run on July 23.
Of his competition on Saturday, Lim thinks the only other four-year-old in the field – Silent Is Gold – is the hardest to beat. Although he respects some of the older horses including trainer Michael Clements' pair of Prosperous Return and Quarter Back.
"Silent Is Gold wasn't far behind us (finished three quarters of a length behind in third) when we met last start (on February 25) in this same company," said Lim.
"He has since won well (in the Class 3 race over 1200m on March 18). We also meet him two-and-a-half kilos worse off, so he (Silent Is Gold) can win on Saturday.
"Quarter Back flew home in that same race (February 25) and gets a two-kilo swing. And Prosperous Return won the (Group 1) Queen Elizabeth Cup (1800m) at his last start (October 15, 2022), so it will be interesting to see how he goes first-up.
"Fingers crossed. We don't expect a lot in this race but I will be happy if he runs well towards the 4YO series."
Of his other nominated runners on Saturday, Lim suggested that the progressive General Command can show his best in the $70,000 Class 3 race over 1200m on the Polytrack.
"It's a very strong race," he said.
"(Trainer) Tim's (Fitzsimmons) pair (Mimosa and Gold Ten Sixty-One) both won well at their last starts and they look like really nice types.
"But we got beaten by a very good horse (Silent Is Gold) last start on the turf (Class 3 over 1200m on March 18) and his (General Command) two wins in Singapore have been on the Poly(track).
"He's done nothing wrong and repaid his owners already, so no pressure – he worked well for Nunes this morning - and whatever else he does this preparation is a bonus."
