Muzi ready for Kranji challenge

Joburg Spring Challenge races have attracted top fields.

- Muzi Yeni

A couple of weeks ago, I was approached to ride in the Grade 1 Singapore Gold Cup, a race over 2000m and the biggest race on their calendar, and it was an opportunity I could not resist.

Even though it was a tough decision considering I am leading the jockeys' championship and would be giving you some really good rides for the weekend, it's something I've always wanted to do.

Competing in Grade 1s gives me my greatest thrill, only topped by winning them, and this opportunity was to compete in one on the global stage.

I must say, I have been treated so well by everyone involved and the country is truly beautiful, where everything works so well.

The humidity is on another level, but overall, I'm thoroughly enjoying my experience so far and I cannot wait to race today.

I ride Smart Star for trainer David Kok. I'm aware I'm not riding one of the leading hopes, but I'm quite happy to fly under the radar.

I worked him on Thursday.

He's nice and fresh, which is important going into the race. You need the speed. It's important to have a horse who can be close to the main chances and not sit too far back.

It's a tight track and the fields are big. It helps that I rode at Kranji a few years back so I'm sharper and more familiar with the territory.

Hopefully he runs well.

On a personal note, it was a good week for me, notching up three winners since the column went to print and while that doesn't match some of my best weeks, my last ride for the week came on Tuesday because of my trip to Singapore.

In saying all of the above, I would like to thank the trainers and owners in South Africa for whom I had engaged rides but had to get off them because of the trip.

They have been really supportive and understanding, and I appreciate that.