3 minute read

Former Australian based galloper Wonderful Prince appears on track to continue his winning ways at Singapore on Sunday when set to contest the ninth event.

Previously trained by the Hawkes team in Victoria, Wonderful Prince proceeded to create a big impression on debut for the Desmond Koh stable when saluting easily by four lengths.

Having been heavily supported on that occasion, punters were prepared to stick with the three-year-old at his next start when starting the even money elect.

Pressing forward to settle second throughout, Wonderful Prince quickly took over upon straightening and while under heavy pressure he proceeded to pull out plenty and hold off a late charge from his rivals.

While not a decisive margin his performance had plenty of merit as the times recorded out of the performance were comparatively strong and he was left in front a long way from home.

On debut in Singapore his performance yielded a Timeform figure of 71, just three pounds shy of his previous best achieved when in Australia.

Taking a slight step up in grade last start, his performance saw him record a new career peak which is a great sign for the Koh stable as he does appear open to further improvement moving forward.

Stepping out beyond 1200m for the first time on Sunday is some query however the son of Elusive City has given all the right indications that it will suit and he should appreciate the lesser tempo in the seven furlong event.

From a breeding perspective all three of his siblings have been tried beyond 1400m and Spaceage Eagle (half-brother) has proven successful up to 2000m.

In what appears a fairly even affair on paper he does look well placed and rates highly on Timeform weight adjusted ratings.

The Laurie Laxon trained Euro Zone boasts the strongest sole piece of form having only been narrowly beaten behind Slew Of Lode two back.

However his last start performance was well below his best and while dropping back in grade for this he has often proven inconsistent and has to be some query.

Manoel Nunes is in great form for the Koh stable this season currently striking at 26% and appears well in line to continue this winning trend on Sunday when sticking aboard Wonderful Prince.

From the favourable draw Nunes is expected to roll forward and camp right up on the speed with the Brian Dean trained Balestra likely to roll forward from the wide draw as is the newcomer Alfonso.

He has already shown the ability to salute over both 1100m and 1200m and given there doesn't look to be a whole lot of speed engaged he does appear to get an easy time up front and should hence have plenty left to give over the concluding stages.

Given the strength of his first two victories in Singapore, Wonderful Princes is expected to take that next step on Sunday and if successful in raising the bar again he should prove very hard to beat.

Four-year-old galloper Euro Zone has always displayed good enough ability to be winning a race of this standard however his inconsistency has often cost him.

On his performance two back behind Slew Of Lode he looks very well placed in this affair however his performance last start fills you with little confidence.

Given he did have some excuses on that occasion a case can be made to give him one more chance as if able to return a peak figure he will definitely be right in the finish.

From the gun draw he should be able to stalk the speed and if Wonderful Prince does prove some query at the trip expect Euro Zone to take full advantage.

The Laurie Laxon trained Alfonso creates plenty of interest in his Singapore debut having trialled nicely in the lead up.

Formerly based in New Zealand the son of Danroad displayed good ability in his sole two career starts and rates well in this line up on best form.

However these gallopers are always some query as it remains to be seen as whether they will adapt well under their new surroundings however on bare form he cannot be ignored.

Leading rider Corey Brown takes the ride and is currently striking at just shy of 20% with the Laxon stable.

Currently considered one of Laxon's Derby contenders down the track he is expected to make his presence felt.

Of the rest the Stephen Gray trained My Brothers Keeper has proven a model of consistency this time in and on best form he rates the next best.

Not seen in seven weeks, My Brother's Keeper was given a soft trial to keep him ticking over for this event and he should be right up to the mark.

From the gun draw he shouldn't be too far away and shapes as a solid contender with Lisa Allpress aboard.

Good luck and happy punting.