3 minute read
Promising sprinter Lincoln Road faces another step up in grade at Kranji this evening but is expected to pass it with flying colours.
Due to line up in the fifth event the son of Swiss Ace has continued to improve and is unbeaten since transferred to Singapore from New Zealand in August 2015.
Now under the care of Shane Baertschiger Lincoln Road returned in emphatic fashion last start when leading throughout.
His fourth straight win since joining Baertschiger's team the four-year-old continued his upwards spiral returning a new career peak.
Having continued to raise the bar in his maiden preparation in Singapore, Lincoln Road picked up right where he left off and returned his strongest performance against the clock.
Ridden by John Powell, Lincoln Road was never in doubt saluting easily by over two lengths.
Improving eight pounds on his previous best he remains open to further improvement and creates plenty of interest this evening.
While not rising at the weights Lincoln Road faces his stiffest test to date with his previous victory coming in Bm67 company.
Now lining up in a Class 3 event Lincoln Road will also begin from one of the outside stalls, though his early gate speed should help to negate this hindrance.
Lincoln Road is unbeaten in three attempts over this trip and is clearly a galloper heading in the right direction.
John Powell continues his association with the galloper and will no doubt be positive from the outset.
Honest Truth, Secret Mission, Exceed Express, Star General and Winning Man appear the other likely front-runners which should see this race run at a decent tempo.
Although Lincoln Road did lead last start, it is yet to be seen whether he will in fact lead here with the start proving all important.
If he was to begin well and was able to cross early Powell may look to press on and find the front, however he could also take a sit just off the speed as Lincoln Road is adaptable.
When assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings Lincoln Road rates clear off the back of his last start performance and given he is open to further improvement he looks to set a decent standard.
The start will prove a defining factor however given what Lincoln Road has displayed he appears more than capable of rising to the occasion.
Unbeaten from four starts in Singapore he appears well on track to make it five.
The Patrick Shaw trained Barnato returned to form last start when finishing third behind Gato Negro.
A winner of four of his 20 starts he has placed in five of nine attempts at this track and has placed in five of his last eight starts.
When assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings he fares well in this line up and from the favourable draw he shapes as one of the leading hopes.
The Mark Walker trained Eatons Gold has mixed his form in recent efforts but is more than capable when right and has to be kept safe with Nunes back aboard.
A noted performer at this course and distance he measures right up on best form and has drawn to receive all the favours.
Whether he can match it with the likes of Lincoln Road remains to be seen however he still has to be respected.
Of the rest the Theo Kieser trained Honest Truth appears the next in line despite failing to fire last start.
His form prior was very good and although drawn a touch awkwardly he should roll forward and be in this for a long way.
Good luck and happy punting.