3 minute read
A dominant debut victory in Singapore leaves the Patrick Shaw trained Alexandra Palace well placed to make it back to back wins this evening in race seven.
Formerly based in both South Africa and Dubai, Alexandra Palace displayed above average ability for the Mick de Kock stable.
A Listed victor over 1800m as a three-year-old, the son of Jet Master saluted in three of his nine career starts, prior to being transferred to Singapore.Joining Patrick Shaw's team mid-way through this year, Alexandra Palace stepped out on debut in late July, proving most impressive.
Lining up over the mile, Alexandra Palace was always in firm control, cruising to the lead inside the 300m.Kicking on strongly to salute by over a length, he did it easily and more notably wasn't required to run up to his best.
On Timeform ratings his performance was marked considerably below his career peak and suggested he would improve sharply second up.The drop back to 1400m is of some concern, however he does come into the event — 40 days between runs.
Overall the Patrick Shaw stable strikes at 14 per cent with gallopers following this trend.Rising six-and-a-half kilograms on his latest victory — is significant, however Alexandra Palace's class should carry him a long way.
From the wide draw, in-form jockey Nooresh Juglall is expected to roll forward and settle just off the speed.Juglall was successful on the five-year-old last start and currently strikes at 15 per cent for the Shaw stable.
In the relatively small field it should be a good battle of tactics, with Alexandra Palace possibly settling closer than anticipated.Last start he was able to hold his position in third before displaying a good turn of foot over the concluding stages.
If able to repeat that level of performance, Alexandra Palace should prove very hard to hold out.The Stephen Gray trained Strubeli creates plenty of interest stepping up to an untried trip.
A notable third placing behind Board Walk last start, the son of Elusive City has always shown good ability.Though not renowned as a leader, he is likely to adopt a forward position from the awkward draw.
Strubeli's average early speed suggests he can press Flash Gift, and shouldn't have any concerns crossing from the wide draw.In twelve career starts, Strubeli is yet to be tested beyond six furlongs, but does look to get the race run to suit.
There is not a lot of speed engaged and it could result in a sit and sprint affair — considerably aiding Strubeli's chances of seeing out the trip.After the claim, he has virtually no weight on his back, and should give a bold sight up on the speed.
The John O'Hara trained Flash Gift appears one of the main contenders as he is likely to get the race run to suit.The only leader engaged in the affair, he could get an easy time in front.
Corey Brown links aboard for the first time, but did ride Flash Gift in a recent trial when finishing second behind star three-year-old War Affair.Hitting the line nicely on that occasion, he appears in good order for this event.
His performance to finish a close fourth behind Goodman two back sees him very well placed on Timeform weight adjusted ratings and he looms as a major threat.Of the rest, progressive galloper Magneto appears the next in line following an encouraging performance behind Emperor's Banquet.
Placing in both starts since being transferred to Singapore, the son of Footstepsinthesand stuck to his task solidly — stepping up to the mile last start.Backing up very quickly and dropping back to 1400m does post some concern, however he cannot be ignored on Timeform weight adjusted ratings.
His latest performance has him rated just shy of stablemate Alexandra Palace, and is expected to make his presence felt.Good luck and happy punting.