3 minute read
Last start winner Luminiff Lad appears well placed to go back to back when due to contest the seventh event at Kranji this evening.
Only a recent addition to the Steven Burridge stable, Luminiff Lad first stepped out for Burridge in April and while disappointing in two runs he now appears back on track.
A short break (84 days) looks to have proved all the difference as Luminiff Lad really impressed in his return, proving too strong on-speed over 1100m.Successful in returning a new career peak he is still only lightly raced having now won four of his eight career starts.
Admittedly he steps up in grade, but gets in nicely at the weights and although drawn awkwardly he looks to possess enough early speed to negate this hindrance.Three of Luminiff Lad's four wins have come on the all-weather surface and the engagement of Glen Boss is a decent push.
Unseen for 34 days, Luminiff Lad was given a soft trial in the lead up when safely held behind Goal Keeper — on that occasion the latter won by 35.75L and clearly was in a trial of his own.In a race with not a great deal separating the main contenders the fact Luminiff Lad remains open to further improvement helps to swing the race in his favour.
Luminiff Lad is unbeaten in two previous second up attempts and if able to put himself in the race from the outset he should prove hard to beat.The Patrick Shaw trained Royal Ruler continued his good run of form last start as while beaten he wasn't marked far off his career peak.
A model of consistency, Royal Ruler has placed in 13 of his 15 career starts and is yet to miss the money in 10 attempts on the polytrack.Unable to wear down Wonderful last start Royal Ruler has since been freshened (41 days) and has trialled well in the lead up.
Barend Vorster continues his association with the four-year-old having paced in 13 of 13 attempts.Much like Luminiff Lad he is expected to press forward from the awkward draw and if able to hold his form he is sure to make his presence felt.
The Alvin Tan trained Ninetyseven Gold won well first up and if able to build on that performance he looms as a major threat.Touted as a somewhat non-winner, Ninetyseven Gold has placed in 15 of 22 attempts, seven of which he finished second, nonetheless he has still collected four wins and is rarely far away.
In three attempts racing second up he is yet to miss the money and has placed in all six attempts at this track.Although having not won previously over this trip he has placed in both attempts and has drawn to receive all the favours.
Oscar Chavez sticks aboard (placed 3/3) and if able to improve off his first up win Ninetyseven Gold looms as a major threat.Of the rest the Shane Baertschiger trained Guilty Pleasures appears the next best following a solid second placing last start.
Much like Luminiff Lad he has to take a step up in grade but rates well and possesses a great record at this course and distance.While he will require the speed on up -front he could possibly settle closer from the middle draw and cannot be taken lightly.
Good luck and happy punting.