3 minute read
The Stephen Gray trained Squire Osbaldeston appears set to relish the step up to the mile when due to contest the seventh event at Singapore this evening.
A winner of five of his 27 career starts, Squire Osbaldeston has notably placed in six of seven attempts over the mile and nine of 16 at this track.
Despite being six runs between wins Squire Osbaldeston's recent run of form has been very good and like the way he has been kept fresh for this (47 days).Leading rider Vlad Duric continues his association with the six-year-old and rode the gelding in his recent trial (28/06).
On that occasion Squire Osbaldeston settled at the rear before working to the line nicely under his own steam.The Mark Walker trained Viviano took out the trial and has since come out and won impressively.
Admittedly stating a case based on trial form is flawed, however it is certainly far from a negative for Squire Osbaldeston.In the small field of seven Squire Osbaldeston rates highly when assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings.
On career best form he has a fair bit up his sleeve and notably rates top off the back of his effort two back behind Brahma Circus.In what is sure to be a tactical affair, Squire Osbaldeston is likely to press forward from the middle draw with not a great deal of speed engaged.
The Mark Walker trained Iking appears the likely leader and as a result could take some running down if Nunes is able to catch the rest of the field napping.Bearing that in mind, Duric is sure to keep Iking in his sights and could look to make his run earlier rather than later.
Overall Duric strikes at just shy of 20 per cent with the Gray stable and looks well placed to continue that handy strike rate aboard Squire Osbaldeston.The Mark Walker trained Iking is racing in great heart and given he does get the pace angle to suit he is sure to make his presence felt.
A narrow victor at this track three starts back, Iking went on to finish midfield behind the progressive Cyborg before only narrowly beaten behind Nova Strike last start.A winner of 10 of his 71 career starts he is enjoying a great run of form and if able to repeat his last start performance he is sure to be right in the finish.
Leading rider Manoel Nunes links back aboard (placed 2/3) and if able to pinch a few cheap early sectionals he is the one they will all have to run down.The Steven Burridge trained Lim's Affection displayed sharp improvement at this course and distance last start and has to be respected with the added aid of the claim.
Only lightly raced the daughter of Elusive City has shown decent ability having placed in four of seven attempts at this track.Yet to miss the money in two attempts over the mile she rates well when assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings and commands respect.
Of the rest the Alvin Tan trained Chase appears the next best dropping back to more suitable company.An impressive winner two back, Chase went on to finish fourth behind Nova Strike last start and has notably won two of four over the mile.
The lack of obvious tempo is against, however on his day he possesses a sharp turn of foot and cannot be taken lightly.Good luck and happy punting.