3 minute read

Talented four-year-old Speedy Dragon appears set to make a winning return at Kranji this evening when due to contest the seventh event.

Trained by David Kok, Speedy Dragon raced in great order last preparation despite failing to fire prior to a break.

A winner of four of his 10 starts Speedy Dragon has also placed on three other occasions and is a noted performer on the polytrack.

In nine attempts he has placed in six including three career victories, in four attempts over this trip he has only missed the money once.

Speedy Dragon was due to race on the 20th of March but was a late scratching after he broke through the gates.

As a result he comes into this off a 68 day break and notably has trialled very well in the lead up, having only been narrowly edged out by The Nutcracker.

The latter is set to contest Sunday's Group 1 Lion City Cup and while unlikely to feature it still gives a decent push for Speedy Dragon.

Ridden by apprentices at his last two starts the re-engagement of Manoel Nunes also gives a strong push for his claims.

In five attempts aboard Speedy Dragon Nunes has never missed the money including three of his four career wins.

Overall Nunes strikes at 25 per cent with the David Kok stable but will have to weave a bit of magic from the wide stall.

Quite adaptable, Nunes may look to take a sit just off the speed with Flash Gift, Eatons Gold, Honest Truth and Dragon Spirit all likely to be vying for the lead.

In the past Speedy Dragon has shown enough speed to be able to lead this field, though whether Nunes will want to give him a gut buster first up remains to be seen.

In his latest trial Speedy Dragon settled back in the field before finishing off well in the straight, with decent speed engaged this could be a tactic Nunes will look to implement.

Either way he is expected to be very competitive as he is very well placed when using Timeform weight adjusted ratings.

Speedy Dragon's performance when beaten on protest two starts back sees him set a very decent standard and if able to repeat that level of performance he should prove very hard to beat.

The John O'Hara trained Castor was only narrowly beaten at this course and distance last start and has to be respected from the middle draw.

A winner of five of his 17 starts, Castor has often struggled with consistency however that has not been the case in recent efforts.

A victor over Speedy Dragon (on protest) three starts back, Castor has since finished fourth behind stablemate Spalato before very game in defeat last start.

Appearing to have had his issues, O'Hara looks to have the four-year-old back on track and he has since trialled nicely in the lead up.

An absolute flier over this trip Castor has won four of six attempts and has only missed the money once.

All five of his career wins have come on the polytrack and he has placed in both Group 2 and Group 3 company.

No question on his day he is quite the talent and is expected to make his presence felt with the aid of the claim.

The Theo Kieser trained Honest Truth keeps surprising having won his last three on the bounce.

While clearly another step here you can never knock winning form and he much like the above is a noted flier at this course and distance.

He has drawn to receive all the favours on the inside and if able to hold his form he is sure to be right around the mark.

Of the rest the Mark Walker trained Eatons Gold cannot be taken lightly.

Chasing a hat-trick the seven-year-old is clearly racing in great form and with Corey Brown linking aboard he commands respect.

Good luck and happy punting.