3 minute read

While he may have burnt a lot of his supporters in the Woodlands Handicap last start talented sprinter Huka Falls appears set to make amends at Singapore on Friday.

Set to line up in the seventh race of the card the son of Align appears very well placed in the small field and should take plenty of benefit out of his first up performance.

Having attempted to lead all the way last start his fitness told over the final stages when collared late by the Patrick Shaw trained Davide.

Unable to show his usual ping at the end of his races can somewhat be explained by his increase in overall bodyweight leading up to the affair.

With his usual racing weight at 556kg, Huka Falls made his return at 563kg which on first glance gives the indication he was carrying a bit of excess condition and would no doubt benefit sharply from the performance.

A winner of eight of his 12 career starts the Kevin Laxon trained galloper has proven ultra impressive in his short career to date and has only tasted defeat twice when lining up on the polytrack.

Though not a foregone conclusion it does appear a far easier assignment on Friday and with only six gallopers engaged he is expected to get his own way in front as there doesn't appear to be a horse in the race who has the speed to lead the four-year-old.

Coming into the race with a Master Timeform figure of 109 achieved when defeating Masthead in the Kranji Stakes last time in, the New Zealand bred galloper still appears open to further improvement as this is only his second preparation.

Electing to space his runs throughout his last campaign it was evident he continued to make good improvement with each start and will no doubt follow the same suit here racing second up.

The big pointer for this Friday's affair is the reengagement of champion Singapore jockey Joao Moreira who links aboard Huka Falls for the 10th time of his career.

In nine previous rides Moreira has saluted the judge on seven occasions and possesses a very handy record with Laxon stable currently striking at 31%.

In a race which does appear to lack a bit of depth Huka Falls is one of few gallopers in this field who is still open to further improvement as the latter have already reached their respective marks.

Having proven to race at his best when ridden up on the speed expect Joao Moreira to push forward from the inside draw with the Leticia Dragon trained Rapido Star the only other likely galloper to challenge him for the lead.

If able to receive a few cheap sectionals out in front he should prove far too good as he has already displayed his ability to reel off a fast closing sectional and although he sits 6kg above the minimum he still appears well off at the weights on raw form.

The obvious danger despite the considerable rise at the weights from his last start is the Patrick Shaw trained Valevole.

Coming into this affair off the back of solid performance behind the handy Goal Keeper the son of Our Emblem comes into this race with four weeks between runs and has trialled nicely in the lead up.

Proven to race at his best on the polytrack with seven wins and three minor placings from 16 attempts, Valevole also boasts a handy record over this trip having only missed the money once from attempts saluting the judge on three occasions.

While only receiving 1.5kg off Huka Falls he still rate well on best form and appears capable of pushing the New Zealand bred galloper right to his limits.

Rapido Star wasn't far away behind Davide last start and meets his main rival Huka Falls 3.5kg better off at the weights following that 2L defeat.

Having proven quite the consistent galloper of late given he has placed at six of his last 10 starts the Leticia Dragon trained galloper appears one of the main hopes in this affair with his last start performance rated higher than Huka Falls on weight adjusted ratings.

Likely to roll forward and pressure Huka Falls in running, if he does in fact prove to be weak over the concluding stages expect Rapido Star to take full advantage.

The Desmond Koh trained Arowana Dot Com is proven to race at his best over a lot further however he does possess a handy record over 1200m and has featured fresh twice from four attempts.

Although unable to salute the judge at his past 13 starts he hasn't been that far away and hasn't been disgraced in similar company.

Drawn well he should be able to possie up nicely and with no weight on his back he appears a solid knock-out hope.

Good luck and happy punting.