3 minute read

The Mark Walker trained Distinctive Darci only won narrowly last start but appears more than capable of taking that next step at Kranji this evening.

Due to contest the seventh event, Distinctive Darci has continued to impress and while facing his sternest test, he is a winner and has quickly confirmed why trainer Mark Walker insisted on throwing him in the deep-end at just his second start.

Having only been narrowly beaten on debut, Distinctive Darci then took his place in the Group 2 Golden Horseshoe [1200m] and while not favoured in the market (20-1 SP) he acquitted himself well in fourth.

At the time a question mark was placed on the level of his performance, however he has since gone on to confirm that mark.

A very impressive maiden winner at his next outing, Distinctive Darci has since brought up the hat-trick, winning narrowly at his past two starts.

Distinctive Darci denied the very promising Lightning Fast two back before again too strong at his latest outing.

Ridden by Manoel Nunes, Distinctive Darci tried to press forward from the wide draw but as a result was posted wide throughout.

Settled fifth, Distinctive Darci continued his three-wide trail approaching the home-turn with the John O'Hara trained Delfyne holding the lead along the rail.

Pushed out five-wide entering the straight, Distinctive Darci still travelled well and hit the lead inside the 200m.

Impressive subsequent winner Grand Cross kicked back along the inside to regain the lead before Distinctive Darci asserted his authority right on the line.

Again only a narrow victory, however it was hard not to be impressed given Distinctive Darci's torrid trip throughout.

Improving six pounds on his last start victory, Distinctive Darci returned a new career peak and the clock also backed up the strength of his performance.

In what was his strongest effort against the clock, Distinctive Darci still remains open to further improvement and always have to respect a three-year-old who can beat the older horses at this time of year.

Since making his debut back in June, Distinctive Darci has came a long way and thus creates plenty of interest moving forward.

Only very good horses achieve what he has in his maiden preparation and if able to continue that progression, it's very hard to pinpoint just where he will end up.

Also in his favour is that he is very well bred, being the half-brother to the multiple Group 1 placed Kuro.

A notable third placing in the 2014 Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes behind Brazen Beau, Kuro went on to also place in the 2015 Group 1 Galaxy behind Sweet Idea.

Again whether Distinctive Darci can reach those lofty heights in Singapore remains to be seen, however he has done little wrong to this point.

Leading rider Manoel Nunes continues his association with the three-year-old and while drawn awkwardly he still should prove very hard to beat.

The Patrick Shaw trained Bach's Air won well last start and looms as a major threat despite the wide draw.

Successful in notching up his maiden success in Singapore, Bach's Air has clearly returned in good order for his new stable and if able to build on his dominant last start success he is expected to make his presence felt.

The Leticia Dragon trained Fortune Winner0 also won impressively last start and while rising at the weights he still appears more than capable.

A winner of five of his 22 starts, he appears well placed on best form and has to be respected from the favourable draw.

Of the rest the Patrick Shaw trained Iron Man remains under strong notice having failed to fire in his Singapore debut last start.

Well supported in similar company on that occasion he has since trialled well and has to be kept safe.

Good luck and happy punting.