3 minute read

Former Australian based galloper Bellwether appears very well placed to make a winning debut at Singapore on Friday night when he steps out in the fourth event.

Previously based in South Australia under the care of Barry Brook, the son of Bel Esprit comes over to Singapore with some handy form in the book and appears on track to take the next step under the care of Michael Freedman.

While he may only have the sole victory to his name, his efforts to finish third behind Lucky Symbol in his two efforts prior to a break see him more than capable of making a winning debut.

Joining the Freedman stable at the beginning of this year, Bellwether does appear to have acclimatised well to his new surroundings with his latest trial win proving very impressive.

Jumping away well from the middle draw, Bellwether always travelled strongly and when straightening he continued to extend his margin over his rivals and went on to salute by over seven lengths.

Under little pressure from Manoel Nunes, Bellwether appeared to do it easily and while the margin may have been flattering the time quickly backed up his performance.

Proving successful in notching up a new career peak in his final start in Australia, Bellwether rates comfortably ahead of his rivals on Friday and isn't required to return a career peak to be saluting.

On Timeform weight adjusted ratings he has almost 20 pounds on his rivals on best form however it is unlikely that he will produce that figure on Friday night.

Nonetheless it emphasises the clear class edge he has over his rivals and given we have seen Lucky Symbol go to prove competitive in Group company this preparation in Australia, Bellwether is expected to be winning and does appear a galloper worth following in the future.

Leading jockey Manoel Nunes sticks aboard having ridden him in his sole trial in the lead up and currently strikes at 20% for the Freedman stable this season.

Adding to the Freedman stable possesses a very impressive record with horses coming from other stables, currently striking at 22% and run at a POT of 25.3%.

In his six starts in Australia he was at his best when ridden forward and expect no different on Friday night.

From the inside draw, Nunes will likely take up the running with the Hideyuki Takaoka trained Origin Fast also expected to roll forward along with the John O'Hara trained Mastermind and the Theo Kieser trained Neutrinos.

While on paper there looks to be good speed engaged, Bellwether should have little concerns finding the front and prove very hard to run down in the straight.

Again these gallopers are always some query in the first start in Singapore, however Bellwether does appear to be adapting well to his new surroundings and on bare form he appears extremely hard to beat.

Mastermind proved quite impressive on debut last start and given he now meets Origin Fast better off at the weights he does appear the biggest threat to Bellwether.

Travelling fiercely in front last start the son of Rusty Spur appeared to overdo it and if able to relax better in the run he should show further improvement.

On Timeform weight adjusted ratings he is rated ahead of Origin Fast and with the in-form David Flores on board he definitely commands respect.

Last start winner Origin Fast also must be respected following a handy performance when breaking through for her maiden win last start.

Settling up on the speed the daughter of Exceed And Excel proved too good when edging out Mastermind over the concluding stages.

Successful in recording a new career peak, Origin Fast has returned in good order this time in however there is no question she will have to take the next step to defeat Bellwether.

From the good draw she is expected to tag Bellwether in the run and if the latter does prove to struggle in his Singapore debut she is likely to be right there to take full advantage.

Of the rest the Theo Keiser trained Neutrinos does appear the next in line as he is expected to appreciate the class drop on Friday night.

While safely held behind Mangatangi last start his effort two back when finishing second behind Shin Goong sees him well placed and a return to that form should see him right around the mark.

The fact he is renowned for mixing his form remains the main concern however there is no question he is capable on his day and stays under strong notice from the rails draw.

Good luck and happy punting.