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Group 1 Singapore Guineas winner Forever Young is set to make his return this evening and should prove hard to beat in the eighth event.
Only lightly raced, Forever Young landed second-year trainer Alvin Kuah Cheng Tee his first success at the top level when leading throughout.
Although the Guineas shaped as a match race between Jupiter Gold and Countofmontecristo (held 87% of the market), it would be a horse of a different form-line which would land the prize - Forever Young.Safely held in the first leg of the 3YO series, CT followed an alternate route to the Guineas, electing to throw Forever Young into the deep end in the Group 1 Lion City Cup [1200m].
A game performance saw the 3YO finish fourth behind star sprinter Lim's Cruiser, before clearly relishing the step up in trip last start.Ridden aggressively by Benny Woodworth to find the front, Forever Young always travelled boldly and in the end was too good.
Jupiter Gold was able to turn the tables on Countofmontecristo, however he failed to reel in the CT trained galloper.In what appears a decent renewal at the top end, Forever Young has been rated alongside 2015 Guineas winner Affleck.
Off the scene for 43 days, Forever Young drops back to 1400m and although drawn out, he can find the front for Benny Woodworth.Forever Young is unbeaten in his sole attempt over this trip and obviously rates highly off the back of his last start performance.
When assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings, Forever Young holds a clear edge and should prove very hard to beat.The Ricardo Le Grange trained Winning Cause possesses just the four wins to his name, however he has placed on a further 10 occasions and is rarely far away.
Only narrowly beaten at this course and distance last start, Winning Cause continued his good run of form and has trialled nicely in the lead up.From the rails draw, he looks to receive all the favours and is expected to make his presence felt with the Juggler sticking aboard.
The Michael Clements trained Hip Hip Hooray returned to form behind Storm Troops last start and is sure to appreciate the drop back in grade.A noted performer at this course and distance, Hip Hip Hooray is certainly more than capable and looms as a major threat with Duric aboard.
The Ricardo Le Grange trained Kirks Ryker hasn't been far off the mark in recent efforts and appears the next in line.Good luck and happy punting.