3 minute read
An impressive victory in the Group 1 Patron's Bowl leaves the David Kok trained Well Done well placed to clinch this evening's Group 1 Singapore Derby.
Successful in handing Kok his second success at the elite level last start, Well Done has continued to make remarkable improvement placing in all seven attempts this time in, including four wins.
All in all, Well Done has improved 27 pounds since his first up success and is clearly a galloper heading in the right direction.
A dominant winner on the polytrack two back, Well Done proceeded to take that next step when too strong late in the feature event.
Ridden by the much in-form Glen Boss, Well Done settled in the back half of the field with the Laurie Laxon trained Affleck controlling the tempo out in front.
Caught in behind horses on straightening, Boss was forced back to the inside before really knuckling down over the final 200m.
Affleck looked to have a pinched a big enough break early in the straight before only swamped in the final 50m.
The Patrick Shaw trained Majestic Moments loomed ominously on the outside but Well Done proved too strong edging out the latter on the line.
The Hideyuki Takaoka trained Believe Yourself continued her great run of form working home well to finish third with Affleck surprisingly missing the placings.
Barring War Affair’s breath taking performance in the 2015 Patron’s Bowl, Well Done’s effort isn’t rated far off some other significant victors of the Patron’s Bowl.
From an historical perspective he sits below past winners Spalato, Super Easy and Ato however his performance still holds plenty of merit.
Only tried over 2000m once previously, Well Done finished third behind both Blue Danube and Bourbon Goldman.
Since that performance Well Done has improved considerably and while some may query his stamina, he is a last start winner and is clearly racing in great heart for the Kok stable.
Michael Rodd replaces Glenn Boss on Well Done and looks to receive all the favours from the inside draw.
If able to repeat the level of his last start performance Well Done looks to set a decent standard and is sure to make his presence felt.
The Laurie Laxon trained My Spielberg stamped his claims for the Singapore Derby last start when returning to the winner's stall, so much so that Glenn Boss elected to stick with the son of Pentire.
Earmarked as a possible Singapore Gold Cup [2200m] contender last season, Mr Spielberg struggled with his consistency but much like Titanium he is quite the talent when right.
His victory last start was his first in over a year breaking a losing sequence of nine runs.
While not rated as high as Well Done he appears back on track and the decision by Boss to ride him over Well Done is a decent push for his chances.
The James Peters trained Titanium was never a winning chance in the Patron's Bowl last start when failing to repeat his performance from the Steward's Cup.
While clearly capable when right, that was not the first time Titanium has failed to live up to market expectations as he again burnt punters.
In what is surprisingly his first try beyond 1800m Titanium has always given the impression he would be better over further and remains under strong notice.
No question at his best Titanium is more than capable and with Harry Kasim back aboard (placed in both attempts) he has to be respected.
From the rails draw he is likely to settle just off midfield and is expected to be finishing off well late.
The Laurie Laxon trained Affleck has a real sense of timing about his preparation and profiles well for this affair.
Although failing to fire at both starts to begin this campaign he displayed good improvement in the Patron's Bowl and from a weight perspective (561kg, 561kg and 556kg) he looks to be nearing his peak.
Given a nice trial in the lead up he appears ready to rock and roll and with Beasley sticking aboard (placed seven of nine) he cannot be taken lightly.
He is one of two Group 1 winners in the race and you have to respect his class.
This year's renewal of the Singapore Derby remains quite an open affair and should prove a very competitive contest - enjoy!
Good luck and happy punting.