3 minute read
The Leslie Khoo trained Star General displayed good ability during his maiden preparation and appears well placed to make a winning return at Singapore this evening.
Due to line up in the seventh event, the son of Mint Lane came a long way in his maiden preparation when he continued to raise the bar with each performance.
An impressive maiden winner two back, Star General went on to confirm that rating when finishing a narrow second prior to a break.
Surprisingly he returned lame off-fore on that occasion and arguably should have won with all things being equal.
Unseen in 156 days, Star General has since trialled well off a break and appears to be back in great order.
Ridden by Alan Munro, Star General led comfortably in his trial before allowed to simply coast to the line, when passed late in the piece.
Recording fairly sharp time, Star General looked to do it easily and creates plenty of interest for his return.
Lining up for just his fifth career start, the four-year-old appears well placed using Timeform weight adjusted ratings.
His last start performance saw him record a new career peak and again returned time figures ahead of the bare form.
These two factors give a strong push that Star General can improve further leading into this preparation and hence suggest he is a strong winning hope.
Alan Munro will continue his association with the four-year-old having placed on both prior occasions.
Munro is currently striking at 23 per cent with the Khoo stable and should look to adopt a forward position from the rails draw.
The early speed battle is quite intriguing, but wouldn’t be surprised to see Star General kick up and hold the rail.
Star General is one of few gallopers which possesses the scope to push on to stronger company and sets a decent standard.
Star General is yet to miss the money over this trip and is expected to make his presence felt fresh.
The Leticia Dragon trained Royal Fortune surprised a few when saluting on debut, however there is now no reason to think he can’t go back to back.
Allowed to settle towards the back half of the field, Royal Fortune really impressed in the run home, when working home strongly to salute in the shadows of the post.
Although taking a while to wind up, Royal Fortune’s closing sectionals proved quite impressive in a race, which has since produced two subsequent winners.
Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings, Royal Fortune does have a bit too find on Star General, however he is obviously open to good improvement at just his second start.
The drop back to 1100m isn’t ideal although he comes into this on the fresh side (35 days) and has drawn to settle closer to the speed.
With most debut winners it is hard to determine how much improvement they can make, however in Royal Fortune’s case it does look positive.
He too returned time figures ahead of the bare form and if able to springboard off that effort, he looms as a major threat.
Stablemate Rikioh returned in great order last start and has placed in two of four second up attempts previously.
While he only possesses just the sole victory to his name, he measures right up using Timeform weight adjusted ratings and cannot be taken lightly.
Rikioh has placed in two of six attempts at this track and the form through Rafaello rates highly in this line up.
From the awkward draw he is likely to roll forward and should be in this for a long way.
Of the rest the Mark Walker trained Lucky Dapper appears the next best and must be kept safe with Manoel Nunes engaged.
Although a somewhat non-winner (2/41), Lucky Dapper has placed on a further 20 occasions and is a noted flier at this track.
From the awkward draw he is likely to settle back in the field before making his run in the straight.
On best form Lucky Dapper rates highly and has to be kept safe.
Good luck and happy punting.
