3 minute read

The ever consistent Stepitup appears well placed to collect his fifth Group 3 success, when due to line up in tonight's Causeway Classic Stakes in Singapore.

A fairly recent addition to the Laurie Laxon stable, Stepitup has since placed in five of seven attempts since joining his care, including three victories.

The 2013 Group 1 Singapore Guineas winner, Stepitup has somewhat failed to take that next step, however his form is still hard to fault.

Lining up against a number Singapore’s top stayers last start, Stepitup one again prevailed when too strong in the Group 2 Chairman’s Trophy [1800m].

Following a good win in the Group 3 Yew Tee Classic Stakes [1800m], the son of Hussonet continued his good run of form and did enough to hold off his rivals over the concluding stages.

Accomplished and Ideal Guide set the early tempo with Stepitup back in seventh along the rail.

Manoel Nunes took Stepitup off the rail approaching the turn and was stuck behind a wall of horses in the early part of the straight.

Searching for runs, Stepitup found a narrow gap at the 400m and swept to the lead with ease at the 300m, gaining a break on the rest of the field.

Under pressure over the final 100m, the Laurie Laxon-trained runner was able to hold off the fast finishing Wild Geese with One Rar getting up along the rail for third.

Sectionals show that the pace was only moderate early with the leaders putting the brakes on between the 1200m-1000m, the last 400m was run in 25.16.

It was the second strongest renewal of the feature race in recent times, only 2012 winner Chase Me returned a higher Timeform rating when winning the event.

Stepitup's performance narrowly bettered than that of Goodman in 2014.

Returning a new career peak Stepitup improved about a length on his win in the Yew Tee Classic Stakes in what was his twelfth win from 29 starts.

Under the conditions of the race, Stepitup is forced to give weight all around, however he is still well placed using Timeform weight adjusted ratings.

His last start winning figure sees him the top rated galloper leading into the event and he has notably drawn to receive all the favours on the inside.

Leading rider Manoel Nunes continues his association with the six-year-old and is currently striking at 35 per cent with the Laxon stable.

Stepitup has placed in five of six attempts on the polytrack and has placed in five of six attempts over this distance range.

Stepitup looks to hold a distinct class edge over his rivals and if able to hold his form he sets a decent standard.

The Michael Freedman trained Snitzel Spirit faces easily his sternest test to date, however he is clearly racing in great form and deserves his chance in this line up.

A dominant winner in good figures over the mile last start, the son of Snitzel gives the impression he will have no concerns with the step up in trip and has to be kept safe right down in the weights.

In 12 career starts, Snitzel Spirit has only missed the money once and with Brown aboard he has placed in six of seven attempts.

Surprisingly this will be just his second attempt on the polytrack, with the majority of his racing obviously on turf.

Snitzel Spirit has drawn a touch awkwardly, but is likely to press forward and could in fact lead.

If able to get away with a few cheap sectionals, he could prove very hard to catch with just 49.5kg on his back.

The Patrick Shaw trained Cooptado displayed good improvement in the Group 1 Singapore Derby [2000m] and has to be respected.

Formerly trained by Doug Watson, the son of Equal Stripes failed to fire in the Group 1 SIA Cup [2000m], before finishing fourth behind Quechua in the prestigious Derby.

On his prior form in Dubai he remains open to further improvement and should appreciate lining up on the polytrack — placed 3/4 on all-weather surfaces previously.

His latest trial indicates that he is in good order and must be considered one of the main hopes.

Of the rest the Shane Baertschiger trained One Rar appears the next best following his return to form last start.

A narrow third behind Stepitup in the Chairman's Trophy, One Rar measures right up if able to repeat that level of performance and is a noted flier on the polytrack — placed 10/16.

He is clearly capable and remains under strong notice.

Good luck and happy punting.