3 minute read
The Leslie Khoo stable collected four winners across the weekend headed by the very promising Fastnet Dragon.
Battle King and Dr N Wing Fighters brought up a winning double for Khoo on Friday night, before Right Is Right and Fastnet Dragon proved too sharp on Sunday.
Across the two meetings Khoo saddled up 15 runners and collected a further three minor placings, including two seconds.Khoo currently sits third in the Trainer's Premiership and is enjoying a great run of form of late.
Fastnet DragonHaving only joined Khoo's care at the beginning of the year, the son of Fastnet Rock continues to make impressive ratings spikes, when too strong in the final event.
An impressive winner at the course and distance two back, Fastnet Dragon brought up his third straight victory when upstaging the Stephen Gray trained Great Scott.Ridden by Allan Munro, Fastnet Dragon was forced to travel three-wide throughout, when unable to slot in from his wide draw.
Pressed forward rounding the home turn, Fastnet Dragon improved to be within striking distance, pulling one of the widest runner on straightening.Under a good hold, Fastnet Dragon travelled powerfully and went let rip, he quickly surged up to the lead inside the 300m.
Great Scott stuck on well along the inside however he was no match, with Fastnet Dragon drawing away to score by just under a length.Improving 12 pounds on his previous best, Fastnet Dragon has now improved 26 pounds since his debut for the Khoo stable (March 1st).
Comparatively he recorded the second quickest time of the day, marked just over two lengths slower than Class 2 victor Darci Charmer - notably he carried 2.5kg more than the latter.Likely to be tried over further at his next outing, Fastnet Dragon is clearly heading in the right direction and can be followed with confidence.
Brahma CircusA nightmare for favourite punters last preparation, Brahma Circus placed on seven occasions, including three second placings.
A dominant six length maiden winner in October, it would have taken a very brave man at the time to suggest he would take seven months before collecting his second win.Nonetheless the collateral form out of his second preparation has been quite strong and given the way he won on Sunday, more wins do appear in store.
For the majority of his career Brahma Circus had been ridden close to the speed, however Manoel Nunes elected to ride him more patiently over the 1000m journey, which proved to pay dividends.Settled midfield, Brahma Circus travelled well and once pulled to the outside he let down sharply.
Conceding his main rivals a fair start, Brahma Circus displayed a quick turn of foot to hit the front inside the 50m and score by just under a length.A three pound sectional mark up, Brahma Circus returned a Timeform rating marginally below his best and is expected to improve further at his next outing.
At his best when kept fresh if placed in suitable company we suggest you stick with him.On Friday night three-year-old Battle King confirmed his solid performance two back when breaking through for his maiden win in the fourth event.
Lining up for just his third career start, the son of Battle Paint has displayed good ability despite still doing plenty wrong.Ridden by Manoel Nunes, Battle King appeared in plenty of trouble when snookered behind a wall of horses passing the 400m.
Forcing his way out into the clear inside the 300m, Battle King started to lengthen nicely down the outside, hitting the front inside the 100m to draw away and score by a length.Still quite raw we would advise closely monitoring where Battle King lines up next as he still has plenty to learn in regards to his race craft.
Nonetheless, he recorded time figures ahead of the bare form and appears a nice horse moving forward and should be placed into your blackbook.