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Though unable to measure up in the Singapore Derby, promising galloper Cordoba can return to the winner's stall at Kranji this evening.
A victor of four of his eight career starts, the son of Exceed and Excel burst onto the scene in September last year.
Notching up four straight victories, Cordoba went on to be unplaced in tougher company at his next two starts, before being unable to see out the trip at his last two performances.Unseen for close to three months, the return over seven furlongs appears ideal.
Cordoba is unbeaten in two prior attempts first up, and has won four of his five attempts over this trip.Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings, Cordoba does appear nicely placed and is open to further improvement — given he is lightly raced.
Given a good hit-out at the trials last week, Cordoba appears back in good order for his return.Settling at the rear, Cordoba travelled strongly entering the straight and picked up nicely to finish a close third behind superstar Spalato.
The booking of Ivaldo Santana is notable as he is currently striking at 20 per cent for the David Hill stable — Santana also rode Cordoba in his latest trial.Admittedly not the best out of the gates, Cordoba could settle towards the rear.
The Stephen Gray trained Strubeli is expected to take up the running, along with last start winner Spun Gold.Due to this lack of tempo, Santana could look to be more positive aboard Cordoba, as he won't want to concede too big a start.
Cordoba's form last preparation was a lot better than what it first appears, and though safely held behind Emperor Max, that piece of form does read well for this.His closing sectionals at the beginning of his last campaign were very strong and place him in good stead in this line up.
If the race does become a sit and sprint, expect Cordoba to be very hard to hold out in the straight.Strubeli has often found one better, but hard to ignore his performance behind Magneto last start.
A victor of four of his 13 starts, the son of Elusive City has rarely been far away placing in seven of his last 10 starts.Tried for the first time beyond 1200m last start, Strubeli hit the line solidly to finish second beaten just over two lengths.
Though a leader dominated affair, they recorded very strong time figures and have no concerns with Strubeli remaining at seven furlongs.Drawn ideally on the inside, he is expected to take up the running as Spun Gold appears the only other leader in the event.
With the aid of the claim Strubeli carries just two-and-a-half kilograms above the minimum and is well placed on Timeform weight adjusted ratings.If able to repeat his last start performance, he shapes as one of the top hopes in this affair.
In-form galloper Spun Gold takes a noticeable step up in grade, but it is hard to knock his recent form.Finishing in the top two at his past four starts, Spun Gold comes into this off a dominant victory at this course and distance.
Displaying a good turn of foot, the son of Hard Spun won it strong time figures and did it easily under Corey Brown.Spun Gold is yet to miss the money in four attempts over this distance range and appears to get the race run to suit.
Corey Brown is currently striking at 17% for the Cliff Brown stable and should park Spun Gold right up on the speed.Cordoba is likely to be conceding a start to Spun Gold on straightening and expect the latter to be very hard to run down.
Of the rest the Laurie Laxon trained To Be Remembered appears the next in line.His performance behind Absolutely held plenty of merit last start and does see him with solid each-way claims.
His poor winning record (1/16) over the trip is of some concern, however he has placed on a further nine occasions and is expected to be right around the mark.Good luck and happy punting.