3 minute read

Progressive four-year-old Mr Mosa appears well placed to collect his first victory in Singapore when due to contest the third event at Kranji this evening.

Now under the care of Stephen Gray the son of Alamosa was transferred to Gray's care mid-way through last year when formerly trained by Stephen Marsh in New Zealand.

A winner of one of his four starts, Mr Mosa notably finished second on two other occasions and had displayed good ability.

Off the scene for over nine months, Mr Mosa was given three trials before his making his debut in Singapore early last month (April 3rd).

Narrowly beaten on that occasion Mr Mosa opened up a very big lead before just fading over the concluding stages when swamped late.

On the surface connections would have been disappointed he was unable to hold on, however when you consider the winner [Debt Collector] has since won the Group 2 Singapore 3YO Classic the form obviously appears very strong.

With close to a year between runs (332 days), Mr Mosa is sure to take plenty of benefit from that hit-out and remains open to further improvement on best form.

His sole victory to date was when racing second up and he has placed in all three attempts over this trip.

The in-form Danny Beasley continues his association with the four-year-old and is sure to be prominent early from the inside draw.

Fellow four-year-old Special Id is likely to roll across from the awkward draw leaving Beasley with the option to either press on or take a sit.

Scout Done, Mighty Glory, Xzuberance and Groenewegen can also adopt prominent positions so do expect this to be run along at a decent clip.

All horses adapt to a new environment differently, some thrive, some hold that form and some go backwards.

Given Mr Mosa was able to run a figure close to his previous best in New Zealand it does read well for his chances moving forward.

The majority struggle to reach their former glory, however there are obviously some that do and some that actually improve - stablemate Emperor Max being a prime example.

Since transferred to Gray's care mid-way through 2013, Emperor Max has raced 17 times in Singapore, placing in all 17 including nine wins.

He was a dual winner prior to coming to Singapore and now has placed four times in Group 1 company, twice in the KrisFlyer International Sprint.

While clearly not suggesting Mr Mosa is going to be the next Emperor Max however early signs suggest he is likely to have a good future in Singapore.

Mr Mosa came over with a solid form base and if Gray can build on that further he is likely to win his fair share of races in Singapore.

Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings Mr Mosa appears well placed and is sure to make his presence felt.

The Cliff Brown trained Groenewegen has mixed his form throughout his career however he is more than capable on his day.

His performance when second behind Special Id three starts back leaves him well placed at the weights and with Brown linking aboard for the first time he has to be respected.

The Mark Walker trained En Civil continues to race well this time in and only has to hold his form to be right around the mark again.

Drawn favourably on the inside he looks to get a lovely run in transit and shapes as one of the leading contenders.

Of the rest the James Peters trained Golden Tomahawk also has to be respected as much like Groenewegen he has mixed his form, however he rates highly on best form.

His second placings behind Solaris Spectrum and Nova Warrior see him right in the mix and while a query at the trip he still has to be included.

Good luck and happy punting.