3 minute read

An encouraging first up performance leaves the Shane Baertschiger trained Elite Star well placed to return to the winner's stall in the seventh event this evening.

Only lightly raced, Elite Star has collected two wins from his 10 starts including four minor placings.

Although unable to really fire first up (5th - 2.2L), Elite Star's performance still held plenty of merit and he is sure to take good improvement.

Having hit the front inside the 200m, Elite Star just peaked on his run late when swamped on the outside.

Not sure the fence is where you wanted to be either with all the momentum horses coming down the centre.

Nonetheless Elite Star's effort was solid enough and while favourite backers would have been disappointed, he appears worth sticking with.

On career best form Elite Star has close to three - four lengths up his sleeve and has placed in two of three attempts over this trip.

The slight drop back in grade should also aid his chances as if up to his best he appears more than capable.

His third placing behind Host The Nation prior to a break leaves him well placed and although drawn out he should roll forward and negate this hindrance.

In six attempts on the polytrack, Elite Star has placed in five including two wins.

Apprentice rider Hazman Syafiq links aboard for the first time and with the aid of his 4kg claim, Elite Star gets in very nicely at the weights.

In a race with decent speed engaged, Hongchen, Lively Dragon and Battle Of Troy appear the likely front-runners.

From the wide draw Syafiq is likely to roll forward aboard Elite Star and is expected to slot in just off the speed.

If able to get the right run at the right time Elite Star is sure to make his presence felt and rates as the hardest to beat.

The Laurie Laxon trained Mr Whitaker steps up in grade but is clearly racing in great form and has to be respected.

Although tagged as a somewhat non-winner (2/18) he has placed on a further eight occasions and has placed in 10 of 16 attempts on the polytrack.

Having caught the eye late two back, Mr Whitaker proceeded to finish a close second last start when game in defeat behind Natural Impulse.

Marked up to his best on that occasion, he is clearly racing in good form and is expected to make his presence felt with Glen Boss in the saddle.

From the good draw he looks to slot in just off the speed and if able to repeat the level of his last start performance he shapes as one of the leading contenders.

The Desmond Koh trained Battle Of Troy has displayed good ability in his short career to this point and looms as a major threat in his Singapore debut.

A winner of one of his six starts, he is arguably better over further but is more than capable of sprinting well fresh .

Given the sole trial in the lead up, Battle Of Troy wasn't knocked around and on best form is well above your average Class 4 winner.

Whether he has acclimatised to his new surroundings remains the big query but do expect the market to tell the tale.

Of the rest the Mark Walker trained Fine Choice was solid enough first up and while stepping up in grade, he appears the next in line.

Good luck and happy punting.