3 minute read

The Leslie Khoo trained Star General boasts some very strong collateral form and should be very hard to beat in the third event at Singapore this evening.

Only lightly raced, Khoo has clearly taken his time with the son of Mint Lane not looking to push him early.

In his maiden preparation he failed to fire at his first two starts, before breaking through for his maiden success in dominant fashion.

Only narrowly beaten prior to a break, Star General returned in good order when finishing third over 1100m.

Displaying good improvement second up, Star General was too strong on speed when saluting by half a length.

In what has clearly been a very good form race, four subsequent winners have been produced from the event, including four minor placings.

Magnum (2nd), Rafaello (4th), Rockfast (5th) and Asprey (7th) all have won since giving a strong push for Star General moving forward.

Using Timeform ratings, Star General has continued to make steady improvement and appears set to record a new career peak this evening.

Unseen for 35 days, Star General has since trialled well in the lead up and looks to be ticking over nicely.

Ridden by Alan Munro, Star General caught the eye late in the piece, when cruising home to finish a narrow third.

Allowed to work to the line under his own steam, he couldn't have done much more.

While obviously lining up against tougher company, he appears more than capable of rising to the occasion.

From the middle draw he is expected to adopt a forward position with Cash Box, Golden Tomahawk and Secret Liberty also likely to press forward.

Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings, Star General is well placed and if able to take that next step he should prove hard to beat.

The Michael Freedman trained Golden Tomahawk continues to race well and has to be included in the main hopes.

From 11 starts, he has placed on nine occasions and since joining Freedman's care he has only missed the money once, which came last start behind Hero I Am.

On that occasion he was only beaten just under two lengths and that piece of form should leave him in good stead.

Although drawn out, his early gate speed should help to negate this with former Australian based hoop Timothy Bell linking aboard for the first time.

In 10 attempts at the track he has placed on nine occasions and has placed in three of four attempts over this trip.

Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings he measures right up and looms as a major threat.

The Mark Walker trained Q Nine Magic simply got too far back last start when unable to bridge the gap behind The Nutcracker.

Obviously easier here and the decision by Nunes to link back aboard is obviously key.

Overall Nunes strikes at just shy of 20 per cent with the Walker stable and has placed in four of five attempts aboard the five-year-old.

His performance to salute first up sees him right in the mix and he has placed in five of six attempts over this trip.

The wide draw is against, however he is clearly capable and has to be respected.

Of the rest the Alvin Tan trained Smart People appears the next best.

His performance to finish fourth behind Von Krumm leaves him well placed and while his record on the polytrack isn't flash, he still has to be kept safe.

In 11 attempts over this trip he has placed on five occasions and is clearly capable on best form.

Good luck and happy punting.