3 minute read
A dominant performance first up leaves the David Kok trained Speedy Dragon well placed to notch up back to back wins at Singapore this evening.
Due to contest the seventh event the son of Safe in The USA couldn't have been impressive in his return when making light work of his rivals at this course and distance.
Ridden by Manoel Nunes, Speedy Dragon was forced to travel wide throughout but once produced in the straight he displayed a very sharp turn of foot.Drawing level with the leaders inside the 200m, Speedy Dragon quickly raced away to score by three lengths and posted his fifth success from 11 starts.
Only missing the placings three times in his career Speedy Dragon has displayed plenty of ability and comes into this off the back of new career peak.To return such a high rating first up suggests he is clearly back in great order and like the way he has been kept fresh for this (35 days).
Unbeaten in two previous second up attempts, Speedy Dragon should look to adopt a fairly prominent position from the inside draw.Southern Boss, Nova Warrior, Happy Money, Bellwether, Sebas and Great Sun are also expected to press forward in what should produce a rampant early tempo.
This could prove a hindrance for Speedy Dragon as Nunes won't want to get caught in a speed battle and much like his first up run he may be ridden just off the pace.Given the sole trial in the lead up, Speedy Dragon found the line nicely when ridden back of the speed and appears in good order.
Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings Speed Dragon appears well placed and if able to take that next step he looks to set a decent standard.Speedy Dragon has only missed the money once in five attempts at this trip and is sure to make his presence felt.
The Desmond Koh trained Southern Boss is unlikely to get any piece out in front but drops back sharply in grade and has to be kept safe.A noted flier over this trip Southern Boss has placed in 12 of 25 attempts and has placed in 16 of 37 attempts at this track.
While unable to match it with the likes of Raise No Doubt or Darci Charmer last start he wasn't beaten all that far (3.2L) and has drawn to receive all the favours on the rail.Southern Boss is expected to lead and if able to repeat the level of his last start performance he is sure to give plenty of cheek out in front.
The Alvin Tan trained Nova Warrior continues to improve with each performance this time in and has to be respected from the inside draw.A winner of six of his 13 starts, much like Speedy Dragon he has displayed plenty of ability and is unbeaten in his sole attempt over this trip.
In 11 starts on the polytrack he has placed in eight and with Rizuan Shafiq aboard he has placed in seven of nine attempts.A distinct model of consistency, Nova Warrior rates well on recent efforts and shapes as one of the hardest to beat.
Of the rest the Mark Walker trained Indian Jade remains under strong notice.While arguably better over further, the likely strong tempo should allow Indian Jade to come right into contention as he is more than capable on his day.
Likely to settle back in the field, watch for him charging home late.Good luck and happy punting.