3 minute read
There is no substitute for class and it appears to hold the Mark Walker trained Flying Fulton in good stead when he lines up in the seventh race of the card at Singapore on Friday.
A previous Group 3 winner at this track and distance prior to a spell the son of Flying Spur will face the tough task of making the step up from 1400m to 1800m however with the blinkers applied it is obvious he is not there to make up the numbers and will be fit and raring to go.
In five attempts racing second up he has saluted the judge on one prior occasion and although that may be of some concern the fact is that this is the first time he has contested a race over a suitable journey at this point of his preparation.
Adding to that is his very impressive record on the polytrack, in 15 attempts at this track he has proven the victor on eight occasions and has placed a further three times.
To put that in perspective he has more wins on the polytrack than any of his rivals have in overall career victories.
Making his return on the turf track last start saw him simply outpaced over the seven furlongs finishing well back behind the talented Super Ninetyseven.
Whilst comfortably defeated his performance did have some merit as he stuck on well to the line and it also appeared he would take plenty of benefit out of the performance.
The booking of Jose Verenzuela also appears key to his chances as in five rides aboard the seven-year-old he has only missed the money once having saluted the judge twice with two minor placings.
Despite conceding weight to all his rivals Flying Fulton also comes into the race with the highest master Timeform figure and does appear to have a clear class edge on his rivals as if successful in reproducing his career best performance there isn't a galloper in the field who has the capabilities to defeat him.
Although ridden off the speed at his last start expect connections to adopt far different tactics on Friday as his career peak performances have been seen when ridden aggressively and expect Verenzuela to press forward from the wide draw.
On paper there doesn't appear to be a great deal of speed in the race as the Kevin Laxon trained Ready To Strike and the Leslie Khoo trained Goodpack appear the only gallopers likely to pressure Flying Fulton up on the speed.
While he will have to use up some petrol to cross from the wide draw once he reaches the front he should receive a fairly easy time in front and if able to do so he should prove too good at the finish.
Despite disappointing at his last start six-year-old galloper Ready To Strike appears the main danger in this affair as his form prior had been very good and the booking of Joao Moreira is an obvious pointer that he is back on track.
While widely recognised for his high strike rate with a number of various stables Moreira's record with the Laxon team is very impressive, in 464 rides he has saluted on 112 occasions and was striking at 32% last season.
Adding to that in 12 attempts aboard Ready To Strike Moreira has saluted on five occasions with four minor placings giving strength to the case that he will back to his best on Friday.
Drawn inside Flying Fulton expect Moreira to roll forward and keep him out as he too will be doing his best to cross from the wide draw.
Renowned to perform at his best on the turf is of some concern however his effort to finish third behind Flying Fulton at this course and distance in similar company early this year indicates that he is capable on the polytrack and if Flying Fulton does in fact prove suspect second up at 1800m then he will be there ready to take advantage.
While unable to match it with the likes of Better Life in the Group 1 Singapore Derby last start five-year-old galloper Goodpack is expected to show marked improvement dropping back to this company.
Having lined up in Group 1 company at his past two starts he will no doubt appreciate taking on this weaker company and gets his chance right down in the weights.
Receiving nine kilograms off Flying Fulton appears to play very well in his favour and he is proven to be right at his peak fitness now.
His performance finishing second behind Itiswhatitis on the polytrack three starts back has him right in the mix and if able to replicate that performance he is expected to be right in the finish.
The ultra consistent Itiswhatitis also deserves an honourable mention having raced in great form of late. While this is obviously a stern step up in grade he does only have 49kg on his back and the decision by Manoel Nunes to stick aboard does give a good push for his chances.
Enjoy the race.