3 minute read

Emerging sprinter Rite Of Spring possesses one of the strongest pieces of form in the three-year-old ranks and will look to live up to those high expectations when he steps out at Singapore on Sunday.

Proving successful in defeating the highly regarded Daniel two back the son of Stravinsky would prove that effort was no fluke when only going down narrowly to his nemesis at his next start.

While at the time it was hard to put a mark on where that form stood in regards to Singapore's leading three-year-olds however it was made perfectly clear that both these horses were more than above average after Daniel came out and finished a close second behind War Affair last start.

This was obviously highlighted further by War Affair's game effort to finish second in the Group 1 Raffles Cup last start behind the very talented Super Ninetyseven.

A victor of two of his three career starts to date Rite Of Spring has displayed plenty of ability and while lining up against the older horses on Sunday he looks very well placed down in the weights as he does appear ahead of his mark at this current time.

On Timeform weight adjusted ratings he sits 15 pounds clear of his nearest rival Emperor Max and with scope for further improvement he appears very hard to beat.

Given we have seen Daniel improve a further seven pounds following his narrow victory over Rite Of Spring it is clear we can expect the latter to improve a further five pounds leading into this affair and if successful there doesn't appear to be a galloper in this field who has the capability to beat him.

The drop back to six furlongs also appears another positive boost leading into Sunday as he is undefeated over the sprinting journey and has drawn to receive all the favours.

Manoel Nunes sticks aboard on Sunday and possesses quite the handy record with the Freedman stable and is expected to roll forward and attempt to lead throughout.

Having displayed the ability to bowl along at a good tempo and then quicken considerably places him in very good stead as if able to control the race out in front then he should prove too slick for his rivals over the concluding stages.

While War Affair is clearly the best three-year-old in Singapore, Rite Of Spring possesses an impressive ratings profile and is expected to go on to bigger and better things.

The Stephen Gray trained Emperor Max proved very impressive when saluting on debut in Singapore and does appear the main danger to Rite Of Spring.

Formerly based in Melbourne the son of Holy Roman Emperor was caught wide early before pressing forward to sit up on the speed.

Kicking strongly upon entering the straight he drew away from his rivals and notched up an eye catching victory.

Having proven successful in running up to his prior form from Australia there is no doubt he will improve further off the back of that effort and should relish racing on the turf for the first time.

In what was his third career victory from six starts Emperor Max is expected to receive an easier run in transit this time around having drawn more favourably.

While he may lack the class of Rite Of Spring he does appear to be in good order since joining his new stable and can definitely make his presence felt.

The Steven Burridge trained Luwak Coffee has returned in great order this time in and comes into this after working home nicely behind Bourbon Goldman last start.

A bold front running type he is expected to press forward from the wide draw and sit just off Rite Of Spring or could in fact lead if able to cross.

The engagement of apprentice rider Harry Kasim sees him receive some wanted weight relief and while required to run to a new peak to trouble Rite Of Spring his best form has been seen on the turf and is expected to produce his best racing third up.

With form around the likes of Bendicion, Wild Geese and Mr Magnus he is a galloper who is clearly capable on his day and is expected to be right around the mark.

The Mark Walker trained Om finished his last campaign in winning form and although better over further he is proven to race well fresh and the engagement of Corey Brown is a good push.

Having only missed the money twice in eight career starts he has shown good ability and has a liking for the turf track having placed in five of seven attempts including all of his three career victories.

The fact he concedes weight to his main rivals is the real concern however there is no doubting his ability and must be included in the multiples.

Good luck and happy punting.