3 minute read

Perennial placegetter Brahma Circus looks to have turned the corner following an impressive first up performance and is in-line notch up back to back victories in the sixth event at Singapore this evening.

A nightmare for favourite punters last preparation, Brahma Circus placed on seven occasions, including three second placings.

A dominant six length maiden winner in October, it would have taken a very brave man to suggest he would take a further seven months before collecting his second win.

Nonetheless the collateral form out of his second preparation has been quite strong and given the way he won first up, more wins do appear in store this time in.

For the majority of his career Brahma Circus had been ridden close to the speed, however Manoel Nunes elected to ride him more patiently over the 1000m journey, which proved to pay dividends.

Settled midfield, Brahma Circus travelled well and once pulled to the outside he let down sharply.

Conceding his main rivals a fair start, Brahma Circus displayed a quick turn of foot to hit the front inside the 50m and score by just under a length.

A three pound sectional mark up, Brahma Circus returned a Timeform rating marginally below his best and is expected to take that next step this evening.

Rising two kilograms from his last start win, Brahma Circus will have to improve, however the fact he remains in Class 4 company reads very well for his chances.

In-form jockey Corey Brown replaces the suspended Manoel Nunes as he looks to continue his hot streak with the Michael Freedman stable currently striking at 20 per cent.

From his last 15 rides in Singapore Brown has collected six wins and has clearly got his eye in.

Having ridden Brahma Circus on a number of occasions, Brown will be hoping to collect his first win aboard the three-year-old having placed on five previous occasions.

From the middle draw Brahma Circus is likely to settle just off the speed with the Theo Kieser trained Yin Jie and the John O'Hara trained One United likely to take up the running.

Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings Brahma Circus appears very well placed and given he is open to further improvement he should prove very hard to beat.

The Mark Walker trained Q Nine Magic is yet to break through in Singapore, however he has placed on four of five occasions and has to be respected.

Formerly trained in New Zealand the son of Guillotine is yet to reach the heights of his previous best form, although he continues to make steady improvements for the Walker stable.

In what will be his first attempt over 1000m, Q Nine Magic is likely to appreciate the stronger tempo and has placed in both previous attempts on the polytrack.

From the awkward draw he is likely to settle towards the rear before making his run in the straight.

He continues to reel off impressive closing sectionals and if close enough he could prove hard to hold out late.

The John O'Hara trained Castor has failed to fire in two starts for his new stable, however he is clearly capable when right and remains under strong notice.

Tried in far tougher company first up, Castor was then not disgraced behind Invincible Man last start and has since trialled extremely well in the lead up.

His best form rates highly in this line up and he is unbeaten in his sole attempt over this trip.

Prior to joining O'Hara's care Castor was placed in Group company on two occasions and appears very well placed using Timeform weight adjusted ratings.

From the inside draw he is likely to adopt a fairly forward position and should be in this for a long way.

Of the rest the Mark Walker trained Dr Octopus appears the next best as he appears to be building nicely this time in.

He displayed good improvement behind Scout Done last start and appears set to peak racing third up.

In 17 attempts on the polytrack he has placed on seven occasions and his sole victory to date came over this trip.

While he is prone to mixing his form his best form leaves with a solid chance in this line up.

Good luck and happy punting.