3 minute read
The Patrick Shaw trained Slew Of Lode returned from a spell in great order last start and appears set to take the next step at Singapore on Sunday afternoon.
Having displayed plenty of ability in his two career starts to date the son of Lode proceeded to pick up right where he left off when proving ultra impressive when defeating the Laurie Laxon trained Eurozone.
Although appearing to be in trouble when snookered along the rail in the straight, Slew Of Lode proved very impressive when forcing his way into the clear to sprint quickly and tackle Euro Zone on the inside before drawing away to score by a neck.
Rated to be two pounds clear of his previous best is a clearly very positive sign moving forward as he is expected to take plenty of benefit out of that performance and with any luck in running you could have easily built a case for him winning by a more decisive margin.
His closing sectional also proved very impressive as it was recorded to be almost a second and a half inside standard and thus emphasises the sharp turn of foot he possesses.
Allotted the topweight on Sunday sees him rise 2.5kg at the weights but still appears very well placed on Timeform weight adjusted ratings.
On his last start performance he sits two pounds clear of the Stephen Gray trained Strubeli and with more improvement in store he appears very hard to beat.
The return to the polytrack also appears a good push for his chances as Patrick Shaw admitted he is a better horse on the synthetic surface which was also evident in his four length romp at this track and distance two starts back.
Not seen at the races in four weeks, Shaw elected to trial Slew Of Lode last Thursday when he proved quite impressive when saluting in good time.
Jumping away well on the inside he always appeared to be travelling nicely throughout and when slipped some reign in the straight he extended nicely in the straight to score comfortably in the end.
In what proved a fairly solid hit-out, all does appears to be in order for Sunday's affair and he should get an ideal run in transit from the gun draw.
The Theo Kieser trained Yin Jie is expected to take up the running while the Alvin Tan trained Gato Negro is also likely to press forward from his wide draw.
John Powell continues his association with Slew Of Lode on the weekend and is expected to settle him just off the speed before producing him in the straight.
After getting caught up along the inside last start expect Powell to ensure he doesn't get snookered again and try and find position off the rail.
The closing sectionals out of his last start were very impressive and if able to reel off similar on Sunday he should simply prove too sharp for his rivals.
The Laurie Laxon trained Bordeaux hasn't quite lived up to what many felt he would early on however his form is still very good and he does appear well placed down in the weights.
Having won well two starts back he failed to repeat that level of performance behind Faaltless last start although that sole piece of form does appear strong moving forward.
He has drawn ideally on Sunday and if able to find a nice trailing position off the speed he has showcased the ability to reel off a good closing sectional and is definitely capable of fighting out the finish.
On Timeform weight adjusted ratings he appears well placed and if able to return a career peak performance he is expected to make his presence felt.
The Stephen Gray trained Strubeli is another who displayed plenty of ability in his short career to date and given he is the only horse who has ever beaten Slew of Lode he clearly has to be respected.
Having only produced an honest performance last start Gray elected to give him seven weeks between runs and he has trialled nicely in the lead up.
The in-form Lisa Allpress sticks aboard on Sunday and he is expected to settle just off the leading pair from the inside draw.
With any luck in running he does possess the ability to defeat Slew Of Lode and is expected to be right in the finish.
Of the rest Gato Negro has been racing in great form this time in and if able to hold his form on Sunday he is likely to be not that far away.
While he still has a bit to find on the top couple of chances he is aided by the apprentice's 3kg claim and is expected to be in the race for a long way.
Good luck and happy punting.